What do you think?
Rate this book
Brotherhood Protectors #14
Ranger Creed
Native American of the Blackfeet Nation, Lani Running Bear ends her service in the Army Military Police corps and returns to the reservation to help her people as a law enforcement officer. When members of her tribe turn up dead, she doesn't know who she can trust and calls on a man she’d busted while deployed. A man with the one qualification that would allow him to live on the reservation with her.
Fresh out of the Army and new to Brotherhood Protectors, Zachariah Jones is prime for his first assignment as the undercover fiancé of a tribal police officer from the Blackfeet Reservation, a woman he'd butted heads with on deployment in Afghanistan. With tensions running high, Zach and Lani fight to find the killers before more lives are lost. When the killer targets Lani, Zach will do anything to keep the woman he's falling in love with safe.
Fresh out of the Army and new to Brotherhood Protectors, Zachariah Jones is prime for his first assignment as the undercover fiancé of a tribal police officer from the Blackfeet Reservation, a woman he'd butted heads with on deployment in Afghanistan. With tensions running high, Zach and Lani fight to find the killers before more lives are lost. When the killer targets Lani, Zach will do anything to keep the woman he's falling in love with safe.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2020
528 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Elle James
714 books1,201 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 13, 2020
Lani has left her military career in the past and has returned to her hometown to serve and protect her people. While investigating a death she recruits a man from her past to pretend to be her fiancé and assist her with finding the person responsible before they strike again.
Zach has also left his military career in the past so when Lani needs help he doesn’t hesitate before joining forces and is determined to protect the woman he has never forgotten.
Intrigue, twists and heat as Lani and Zach must overcome obstacles both personally and professionally.
Zach has also left his military career in the past so when Lani needs help he doesn’t hesitate before joining forces and is determined to protect the woman he has never forgotten.
Intrigue, twists and heat as Lani and Zach must overcome obstacles both personally and professionally.
October 22, 2025
Ranger Creed is high-stakes danger with romance, action, tension, and suspense. Along this journey, a team of former military heroes dedicate their lives to protecting others. I am loving this series, and the characters are sexy in this series. It's Insta-love, but still a good read.
Ranger Creed is the fourteenth exciting tale in The Brotherhood Protector series and a tale of loyalty and courage, and looming threats jeopardise their lives and the lives they swore to protect. This story not only highlights the fierce devotion of its alpha heroes but also emphasises the importance of connection and resilience against a backdrop of uncertainty and danger.
The camaraderie, their loyalty to each other, make for more than a brotherhood, it makes them family.
Ranger Creed is the fourteenth exciting tale in The Brotherhood Protector series and a tale of loyalty and courage, and looming threats jeopardise their lives and the lives they swore to protect. This story not only highlights the fierce devotion of its alpha heroes but also emphasises the importance of connection and resilience against a backdrop of uncertainty and danger.
The camaraderie, their loyalty to each other, make for more than a brotherhood, it makes them family.
January 16, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
Ranger Creed is book 14 in the continuing series of Brotherhood Protectors by Elle James and another good book!
Lane Running Bear, military MP and Zachariah Jones, a fellow soldier butted heads while serving in Afghanistan. Lani returned home to the Blackfeet reservation after her discharge as a law enforcement officer. When people started turning up dead for no apparent reason and she is pulled from the investigation she turns to the one man she knows who is part Blackfeet and she had a connection to in the military...Zach Jones. Zach finally left the service and now works for Hank Patterson of the Brotherhood Protectors Agency while waiting for his first assignment he receives a call from Lani for help...
What happens next is a fake engagement, working together, steamy, some suspense, have someone’s back, loyalty to her people, finding the truth are things that make this a great read!!
Ranger Creed is book 14 in the continuing series of Brotherhood Protectors by Elle James and another good book!
Lane Running Bear, military MP and Zachariah Jones, a fellow soldier butted heads while serving in Afghanistan. Lani returned home to the Blackfeet reservation after her discharge as a law enforcement officer. When people started turning up dead for no apparent reason and she is pulled from the investigation she turns to the one man she knows who is part Blackfeet and she had a connection to in the military...Zach Jones. Zach finally left the service and now works for Hank Patterson of the Brotherhood Protectors Agency while waiting for his first assignment he receives a call from Lani for help...
What happens next is a fake engagement, working together, steamy, some suspense, have someone’s back, loyalty to her people, finding the truth are things that make this a great read!!
January 15, 2020
Lani goes back home to the reservation after she leaves the military and becomes a cop. When tribe members begin turning up dead, she contacts Zach and the Brotherhood Protectors to help her find out what is happening. Zach is Lani’s pretend fiancé, but what will happen when sparks fly between them. Fast-paced read with steamy chemistry and a story that draws you in from beginning to end. A good read.
August 23, 2025
3.5 - 4 Stars
Ranger Creed is the fourteenth book in The Brotherhood Protectors Series by Elle James. This series is a great blend of romance, action, and suspense - which is all set against the rugged backdrop of Montana. These books introduce us to a team of former military heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting others, all while navigating their own personal battles.
Ms. James’ characters are definitely the heart of this series, and each protector is uniquely crafted, with a mix of strength, vulnerability, and charm. Their camaraderie and loyalty to one another also creates a sense of family that adds an extra element to the stories/series.
These plots are fast-paced and packed with twists, cleverly blending high-stakes danger with heartfelt romance. Whether it's a SEAL turned cowboy, or a sniper finding love amidst chaos, each book delivers a satisfying mix of adrenaline and emotion. Elle James also weaves in themes of redemption, trust, and healing, making the series not just entertaining, but also heartfelt.
With gripping storylines, endearing characters, and just the right amount of heat, this is a series that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment.
Happy Reading…
Ranger Creed is the fourteenth book in The Brotherhood Protectors Series by Elle James. This series is a great blend of romance, action, and suspense - which is all set against the rugged backdrop of Montana. These books introduce us to a team of former military heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting others, all while navigating their own personal battles.
Ms. James’ characters are definitely the heart of this series, and each protector is uniquely crafted, with a mix of strength, vulnerability, and charm. Their camaraderie and loyalty to one another also creates a sense of family that adds an extra element to the stories/series.
These plots are fast-paced and packed with twists, cleverly blending high-stakes danger with heartfelt romance. Whether it's a SEAL turned cowboy, or a sniper finding love amidst chaos, each book delivers a satisfying mix of adrenaline and emotion. Elle James also weaves in themes of redemption, trust, and healing, making the series not just entertaining, but also heartfelt.
With gripping storylines, endearing characters, and just the right amount of heat, this is a series that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment.
Happy Reading…
September 23, 2023
Another kick-butt female
There have been several kick-ass females lately in this Brotherhood Protector series. Lani is a police officer with the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Team. They’ve had two murders on the reservation. One of the Elders has told her to take a few days off and let the chief and an FBI agent handle things. From her Army days Lani remembers another from Montana who has some Blackfeet in his DNA. She calls Zach who has just started with Hank’s Brotherhood Protectors business. He heads to the reservation to help Lani. Posing as her fiancé, he is a quarter Blackfeet allowing him full access on the reservation.
Lani is the police officer, Zach is her back-up/body guard. She leads the whole story. Zach lets her take the lead but their feelings are even. Truthfully the ending was disappointing to me. The reason behind the murders was weak and didn’t end with fulfillment to the story. Once again Sadie comes through for a great ending.
There have been several kick-ass females lately in this Brotherhood Protector series. Lani is a police officer with the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Team. They’ve had two murders on the reservation. One of the Elders has told her to take a few days off and let the chief and an FBI agent handle things. From her Army days Lani remembers another from Montana who has some Blackfeet in his DNA. She calls Zach who has just started with Hank’s Brotherhood Protectors business. He heads to the reservation to help Lani. Posing as her fiancé, he is a quarter Blackfeet allowing him full access on the reservation.
Lani is the police officer, Zach is her back-up/body guard. She leads the whole story. Zach lets her take the lead but their feelings are even. Truthfully the ending was disappointing to me. The reason behind the murders was weak and didn’t end with fulfillment to the story. Once again Sadie comes through for a great ending.
January 1, 2022
Lani is a police officer on the reservation. There has been a murder and one of the elders does not want her on the case. Then she comes upon another.
Zach has just started working for The Brotherhood Protectors when he receives a call from Lani. He has thought about her quite a bit since she took him down in Afghanistan. He discusses it with Hank and then heads to her.
Lani and Zach are pretending to be a couple engaged. They are investigating even though she has been ordered not too.
Lani's house was trashed. The police station was broken into.
Lani and Zach are heading out to check one place they are sure they will find someone else. There has been another murder but this one was different and they are sure that this person they are looking into was involved in this one.
The truth comes out but will they live to tell someone?
Zach has just started working for The Brotherhood Protectors when he receives a call from Lani. He has thought about her quite a bit since she took him down in Afghanistan. He discusses it with Hank and then heads to her.
Lani and Zach are pretending to be a couple engaged. They are investigating even though she has been ordered not too.
Lani's house was trashed. The police station was broken into.
Lani and Zach are heading out to check one place they are sure they will find someone else. There has been another murder but this one was different and they are sure that this person they are looking into was involved in this one.
The truth comes out but will they live to tell someone?
August 12, 2021
Ranger Creed is a great romance wrapped around an interesting whodunit. Lani Running Bear needs back-up and the one she needs is Zach Jones. She becomes his first Protectors job but he would have done it for free. He's had a thing for Lani ever since she put him on his butt in Afghanistan. They team up to solve three murders, battle tribal elders and to keep her from being the next victim. There are several unexpected twists that will keep you guessing right up to almost the end.
March 6, 2022
He fell in love at first body slam!
I really like Zach and Lani and I love that this is set on the reservation, which adds to their difficulties in investigating. As easy as it is to like Zach and Lani there are a number of other characters who your instantly dislike, they make your skin crawl or have mannerisms that lead to distrust and I did guess the perpetrator very quickly in this book. But another good addition to the Brotherhood Protectors series.
I really like Zach and Lani and I love that this is set on the reservation, which adds to their difficulties in investigating. As easy as it is to like Zach and Lani there are a number of other characters who your instantly dislike, they make your skin crawl or have mannerisms that lead to distrust and I did guess the perpetrator very quickly in this book. But another good addition to the Brotherhood Protectors series.
March 19, 2022
Is this a multipart story (cliffhanger)? No cliff
Story Type and Subtypes: Drama Romance Action
Instalove?
3 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3.5 Stars
If significant, why?
Biggest deduction?
Main Character Ratings...
H (Zach) = 6/10
h (Lani) = 6/10
TSTL Moment(s)? A few
Narrator Rating(s)
M (Gregory Salinas) = 8/10
F () = n/a
If below 5/10, why?
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No
If Comedy... Type? n/a
Funny, Cute, Cringe Inducing, Mixed or Just No!
Angst Level? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!
Internal Monolog/Dialog? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 40%
How much of the story? 10%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The blurb says it all
Romance or Gist: Instalove
The drama explosion... The bad guys catchup up and almost win... Again!
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Ugh
Was it OTT? Yes
Separation involved? Short
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Dragged out, then rushed.
Final Notes... I wish that the author would change up her formula from time to time. These could be really enjoyable (at least for me) if they didn't all follow the same script.
HEA or HFN? HEA
Book Source: Scribd
Story Type and Subtypes: Drama Romance Action
Instalove?
3 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3.5 Stars
If significant, why?
Biggest deduction?
Main Character Ratings...
H (Zach) = 6/10
h (Lani) = 6/10
TSTL Moment(s)? A few
Narrator Rating(s)
M (Gregory Salinas) = 8/10
F () = n/a
If below 5/10, why?
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No
If Comedy... Type? n/a
Funny, Cute, Cringe Inducing, Mixed or Just No!
Angst Level? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!
Internal Monolog/Dialog? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 40%
How much of the story? 10%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The blurb says it all
Romance or Gist: Instalove
The drama explosion... The bad guys catchup up and almost win... Again!
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Ugh
Was it OTT? Yes
Separation involved? Short
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Dragged out, then rushed.
Final Notes... I wish that the author would change up her formula from time to time. These could be really enjoyable (at least for me) if they didn't all follow the same script.
HEA or HFN? HEA
Book Source: Scribd
August 20, 2023
I liked Lani Running Bear and her spirit, devotion, love of her people, her duty, and strength. Zach was a true Ranger and devoted to helping others. They truly are soulmates.
Bur, sex when your house was vandalized and you are next on the killers list dud not do it for me. Amazing how deranged and selfish people can be to murder someone because of their life being good. .
I want to see mire interaction between the brotherhood.
Bur, sex when your house was vandalized and you are next on the killers list dud not do it for me. Amazing how deranged and selfish people can be to murder someone because of their life being good. .
I want to see mire interaction between the brotherhood.
December 11, 2024
Lani leaves the service and joins law enforcement on the reservation. Lani doesn't know who she can trust and needs a partner/back up so she reaches out to Zach. Zach and Lani had met while they both served and made a lasting impression. This action packed story has lots of twists that will have you wondering what is going to happen next. Loved that Zach and Lani finally got to reconnect and their HEA.
September 17, 2021
Great well written read
Zach and Kami story will.pull you in fill you with suspense. You emotions will flow as you read this well written story and their journey to a HEA. Thank you Elle James for writing awesome books. I can't wait to read more of your emotional suspenseful reads
Zach and Kami story will.pull you in fill you with suspense. You emotions will flow as you read this well written story and their journey to a HEA. Thank you Elle James for writing awesome books. I can't wait to read more of your emotional suspenseful reads
December 12, 2023
That was crazy!! There is a couple unanswered questions I have but overall, that was crazy!! It was strange how they kicked her out of the case but why? I don't get a few spots and how innocent people died 4 no real reason. But will they find the killer or killers in x b4 her possibly being next? Read and find out. It was pretty good.
January 28, 2021
There are murders happening to the youth from the Blackfeet Rez. Lani is a copy but she's getting stymied by the rez elders about working on this case. She asks and ex military ranger she knew from her time overseas to have her back while she investigates. Danger, heat and closure. HEA.
January 15, 2025
Suspenseful read
Lots of suspense in this story of a new Brotherhood Protectors recruit who rushed to the Blackfoot Reservation to help a former military acquaintance solve a double murder. Great characters.
Lots of suspense in this story of a new Brotherhood Protectors recruit who rushed to the Blackfoot Reservation to help a former military acquaintance solve a double murder. Great characters.
May 17, 2020
Great read !
June 26, 2020
Review of Ranger Creed
This was a great book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
This was a great book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.
October 27, 2020
Great book
December 9, 2020
Good book. Interesting subject matter and characters. Another winner from the author.
May 4, 2021
Awesome just so great story and characters are even better, and seeing old characters is just a bonus
June 20, 2021
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
September 18, 2021
Just Okay
2.5 Stars - Kami and Zach's story was just okay for me. The Brotherhood Protectors were barely in it. It felt like this was just a quick add on.
2.5 Stars - Kami and Zach's story was just okay for me. The Brotherhood Protectors were barely in it. It felt like this was just a quick add on.
September 22, 2022
Not a bad read. Still don't understand the motive behind the original crimes.
December 5, 2022
Read on Radish. Lani and Zach have an awesome connection when they were deployed. Glad she was able to take him down. Reuniting after trouble, the two of them make a fine team of investigators.
March 8, 2024
Parte bene ma si perde nel finale... Peccato.
September 2, 2024
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 👏👏🤗🤗
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 👏👏🤗🤗
November 1, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
March 1, 2020
Love it!
June 26, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
If you LOVE your romance with suspense in it, you will adore this one. You don't have to read the prior books in this series to understand this story. The only word of warning, give yourself some time to read it all! I adore all of this author's work. I get completely pulled into the story right from the beginning. Many times I had to pull myself back from an old habit to read the last few pages. I haven't done that in decades but it is hard here. I never guessed the murderer but I should have. The author gave very slight clues but I didn't pick up on them.
Lani is a Blackfeet Indian. She returned from her service in the Army as an MP to be a law enforcement officer of her reservation. She wants to make a different for the younger generation. Right as she is getting off her 12 hour shift, she responds to a call. A young man is found murdered in the trailer he shares with his grandmother. Lani is pulled off the case but she knows that her help in finding the killer is needed as they are short-staffed (even though the FBI will be called in). She is capable of taking a man down and has but she wants someone who will protect her back. She calls a man that she actually did take down, Zachariah Jones. He would be welcome on the reservation as he is one quarter Blackfeet Indian. Well I just wanted to swoon over Zach! He is a strong very capable man but who is comfortable with himself to allow a woman to take the lead while protecting her at the same time.
Hank and Sadie Patterson make a couple of appearances in the story and I loved seeing that. Also another thing that I loved, the story was written in my favorite dual POV format. Getting a glimpse into the characters' mind while in a given situation really helps me to identify with and understand the characters so much better.
This story is a little on the sexy side but nothing in overly graphic. I would highly recommend this story to anyone over the age of 18.
If you LOVE your romance with suspense in it, you will adore this one. You don't have to read the prior books in this series to understand this story. The only word of warning, give yourself some time to read it all! I adore all of this author's work. I get completely pulled into the story right from the beginning. Many times I had to pull myself back from an old habit to read the last few pages. I haven't done that in decades but it is hard here. I never guessed the murderer but I should have. The author gave very slight clues but I didn't pick up on them.
Lani is a Blackfeet Indian. She returned from her service in the Army as an MP to be a law enforcement officer of her reservation. She wants to make a different for the younger generation. Right as she is getting off her 12 hour shift, she responds to a call. A young man is found murdered in the trailer he shares with his grandmother. Lani is pulled off the case but she knows that her help in finding the killer is needed as they are short-staffed (even though the FBI will be called in). She is capable of taking a man down and has but she wants someone who will protect her back. She calls a man that she actually did take down, Zachariah Jones. He would be welcome on the reservation as he is one quarter Blackfeet Indian. Well I just wanted to swoon over Zach! He is a strong very capable man but who is comfortable with himself to allow a woman to take the lead while protecting her at the same time.
Hank and Sadie Patterson make a couple of appearances in the story and I loved seeing that. Also another thing that I loved, the story was written in my favorite dual POV format. Getting a glimpse into the characters' mind while in a given situation really helps me to identify with and understand the characters so much better.
This story is a little on the sexy side but nothing in overly graphic. I would highly recommend this story to anyone over the age of 18.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews