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Painted Pony #1

Ride a Painted Pony

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"Eagle delivers." Publishers Weekly A woman on the run . . .The terrified eyes in the middle of the highway belonged to a woman--battered, bruised, and barely conscious. Nick Red Shield swerved his pickup and empty horse trailer to avoid her, but neither he nor the mysterious Lauren Davis could avoid the collision of their lives . . . though Nick's loner instincts kick into high gear, Lauren's vulnerability tugs at him in ways he'd thought long since shut down. More comfortable with horses than people, he's drawn to the secretive runaway. But even in the safe haven of his South Dakota ranch, among the magnificent painted horses of Western legend, the danger shadowing Lauren's life will compel her to new acts of desperation to save her young son and force Nick to confront demons bent on destroying them both.Kathleen Eagle is a mother, grandmother, teacher, chief cook and bottle washer, and best-selling writer. She has published over fifty books during the course of her long career. She lives in Minnesota with her husband of over 40 years, the Lakota cowboy who continues to inspire the stories readers treasure.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2006

44 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Kathleen Eagle

117 books165 followers
Kathleen Eagle published her first book, a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award winner, with Silhouette Books in 1984. Since then she has published more than 40 books, including historical and contemporary, series and single title, earning her nearly every award in the industry. Her books have consistently appeared on regional and national bestseller lists, including the USA Today list and the New York Times extended bestseller list.

Born in Virginia and raised "on the road" as an Air Force brat, Ms Eagle earned degrees from Mount Holyoke College and Northern State University. She taught at Standing Rock High School in North Dakota for 17 years.

Eagle's work is often singled out by book reviewers for its exceptional quality and appeal. THE NIGHT REMEMBERS was a Chicago Tribune Notable Book. SUNRISE SONG, THE NIGHT REMEMBERS, THE LAST TRUE COWBOY, and WHAT THE HEART KNOWS made the Library Journal "Five Best Romances of the Year" list. BookPage listed WHAT THE HEART KNOWS among its "Top Six Romance Picks" for 1999. THE LAST GOOD MAN was a finalist for the 2000 Minnesota Book Award for Popular Fiction--the only Romance so honored thus far. YOU NEVER CAN TELL was named to RWA's "Top Ten Favorite Books of the Year" list. She is an RWA RITA award winner.

Kathleen Eagle lives in Minnesota with her husband, who is Lakota Sioux. The Eagles have three children and three grandchildren.

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5 stars
71 (26%)
4 stars
97 (36%)
3 stars
71 (26%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,709 followers
February 27, 2017
Nick Red Shield finds a woman in the middle of a highway. She's been beaten, she's bruised and bleeding, barely knows who she is. At first, Nick thinks he has hit her with his pickup truck and horse trailer, but thankfully that isn't so.

So how did this mysterious woman, going by the name of Joey, manage to get there?

Lauren Davis was once an up and coming jockey .. until she met a man who made her feel special. She didn't know how controlling and manipulative he could be until she had her baby. Trying to take the baby and leave him led to her near death and her son being kidnapped.

Red Shield is a quiet, introspective man who is much more comfortable with horses than he is people ..especially women. But he does have a protective streak a mile wide and this particular woman is getting under his skin.

Kathleen Eagle is well-known for her contemporary western romances. This one did not live up to the expectations. The beginning was really good .. well-written. Nick Red Shield seemed to be written to stereotype .. silent American Indian. I liked Lauren "Joey" in the beginning, but once at her host's ranch, she became this simpering female. I expected a strong woman and didn't get one. It did get better after that, but by them I wasn't much interested in what happened to any of them.

I did enjoy the location descriptions and talk about horses, mainly Indian Ponies.

While I didn't particularly like this one, when looking for a romance with just a hint of suspense, I would definitely look at some of her older books.

Many thanks to the author / BelleBooks - Bell Bridge Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Dorine.
632 reviews35 followers
February 4, 2017
Rated 4.5 - An unusual contemporary western with some suspense, RIDE A PAINTED PONY by Kathleen Eagle is so addictive I had to have book two right away.

We get a good picture of who the honorable and caring man, Lakota Sioux Nicholas Red Shield, is within the first few pages. Nick does everything within his power to avoid creating roadkill, including almost wrecking his like-new truck and empty horse trailer. He loves his truck and trailer – they’re the lifeline of his ranch and future. Not many men would risk wrecking their prized possession to save an animal.

While he’s trying to get unstuck from where he landed, Nick realizes he might have tried to miss a human instead of the presumed animal. By the looks of things, his truck connected with her body, so he feels responsible even though she swears Nick is innocent.

Lauren Davis, a tiny woman, lets Nick believe her name is Joey. It’s her baby’s name – the child who was taken from her. Badly beaten, dragged out of a car, and left at the side of the road to fend for herself, this new Joey can’t trust anyone. The man who has her baby plans to keep him and assumes she’s dead.

I was instantly hooked by this intriguing story and read it within two days in the middle of the holidays, which proves how addictive it was. The male point of view from two Native American cowboys explains my fixation. First, it’s very unusual to come across such a natural male point of view, let alone two of them in one book. Secondly, their Native American heritage makes this scenario completely unexpected and more intriguing. I loved that this book didn’t downplay the Native American hardships, which immediately mangled my heart.

Tough and an experienced jockey, Joey is also an uncommon heroine. She’s a mom who is unwillingly separated from her child. At first, I suspected that she was probably involved with some sort of mafia, which explains much of her unusual behavior. I was bothered by some of her actions, so she wasn’t my favorite heroine, but she is memorable and intriguing, as well as completely different from the norm.

Nick and his best friend Dillon are the stars of this book. I became so enthralled with them that I immediately ordered Dillon’s story, MYSTIC HORSEMAN, to review next. Both men are so realistic. I easily pictured them while reading, and I kept rooting for their success. I especially enjoyed Dillon’s insight on Nick, so I’m hoping Nick will return the favor in Dillon’s book. This is exactly the style of contemporary western I like to read. It’s modern, but still has the values and honorable ways I admire.

Nick is in an impossible situation. He commits to assist a woman who keeps secrets. He knows it’s a bad idea, as well as falling for her will be, but he can’t help himself. Joey isn’t an easy woman to understand. Will she run away before Nick gets a chance to prove his love for her?

In addition to the great characterizations, the ponies were also fascinating. I love horses, and just the idea of wild horses reignites my passion for these beautiful animals. The history offered in regards to their parentage was captivating. Nick buys a Paint, a favorite of mine, so I was glued to the story for all its attributes.

Author Kathleen Eagle has moved the contemporary western sub-genre of romance into an exciting new arena. Even though this book was published originally in 2006, this reissue feels like new territory that will enchant today’s reader. I’m thrilled to have discovered this duology and can’t wait to read the sequel, MYSTIC HORSEMAN.

Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. Digital copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Richards.
298 reviews105 followers
January 1, 2017
While I throughly enjoyed this contemporary western romance, I was pretty sure I recognized both the title and author. I personally think ALL reprints of earlier works should have to be noted on the book cover. Nothing pisses me off more than to dole out my hard earned money for a book that I've previously read. That said, this was an awesome read that I loved. I enjoyed the suspense and the mythology of he painted ponies. The book moved along at a pretty fast pace and other than the ending not showing us what happened rather being told by a character what happen, completely satisfied me.
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,143 reviews
January 7, 2017
Ride a Painted Pony is the first book I have read by Kathleen Eagle. I enjoyed this story and loved Nick’s strength and determination. I felt the connection faltered at times between him and Lauren but not enough to impact the storyline. I look forward to reading more by this author
2 reviews
July 24, 2020
This could be easily rated at 6 or 7 stars.

Very good book; very good story. It was written many years ago before the advent of everything computer/phone. Very real, very emotional, and a love story that isn't just boy meets girl. It is not written where boy and girl each get their own chapter to be the expressor of emotion and thought. ( Not like today where It seems like the modern writers have made story telling easier for themselves.) The seconds in this particular story, bring much into the telling of it. It brings tears and cheers and memories as well as an understanding of a part of our history that often gets ignored...the American Indian. A book that is re-readable for years to come.
4,125 reviews21 followers
December 24, 2016
Once again this is a book that I read several years ago in paperback. I was again thrilled to see I Ride a Painted Pony by Kathleen Eagle now in digital format. Nick Red Shield is the kind of man that you can depend on which is what Laura needs. I enjoyed reading how these two grew as the story progressed as individuals as well as the way that their relationship also grew. Kathleen Eagle sure knows how to write the tough, silent hero.

This story has two strong individuals, beautiful horses, suspense and romance. It was just as wonderful of a read as it was the first time around.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
Profile Image for Stephanie A..
2,928 reviews95 followers
July 4, 2025
Yep, that's a mid-2000s romance novel all right (or romantic suspense, I suppose). But Nick Red Shield's heritage makes him somewhat unique among contemporary love interests, and I loved the setting (a horse-breeding operation on a reservation in South Dakota). Not enough for me to read any other books by her, as there are much better horse-inclusive romances out there, but I'm glad I satisfied my curiosity.
554 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2017
A pretty predictable and yet off balanced book. It all seemed to meander and then go full throttle at the end for a haphazard conclusion. Just not my cup of tea for a romantic borderline romance novel. I didn't really care for any of the semi-developed characters.
1,077 reviews
June 28, 2017
Enjoyed the book. Liked her writing style, characters and story but it drug a little bit. A little bit of mystery but mostly a romance.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,171 reviews
May 28, 2019
A fun read with some pleasing twists, however, it is primarily a love story / romance tale with some explicit scenes.
Profile Image for Marseydoats.
2,187 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2024
I just couldn't get into this and I didn't like the doping the racehorses aspect.
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,851 reviews57 followers
December 28, 2016
Ride a Painted Pony,  Kathleen Eagle

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  romance, woman’s fiction

I so, so wanted to love this story, romance, a touch of suspense and horses – it sounded perfect, and yet it just didn’t work for me :-(

Maybe if I pick it up in a few months and try again I might enjoy it – there’s nothing I specifically disliked about the story.
Its well written and has characters that feel real, it was just that I didn’t actually like them. I need to love the leads, need to be worried about them, down when they’re sad, happy when they’re on the up, but they just left me feeling nothing, indifferent to them. I just didn’t really care where they went, what was going to happen.

I felt the story was very slow paced too, I enjoyed the start but once they got to the farm I seemed to be always waiting, waiting for some action, something to happen and it just didn’t feel real to me.

I can see others love it and that's great, I’m happy for them and maybe at a different time I might enjoy this but I don’t think so. It has happened but I think this is just going to be one that I’ll pass on finishing.
I gave it to halfway but just wasn’t invested enough in the characters or plots to continue. There’s too many other books I could be reading. That’s not a reflection on the book of course, just on how I feel about it. Reading and what we enjoy is as individual as we are, and there will never book a book everyone loves, we all look for different things, have different priorities. Liking stories is a very subjective thing, what one person adores another will feel indifferent to and yet others will hate.
.
Stars: Two, a miss for me but a hit for others.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Profile Image for Nicole.
6 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2009
What can I say other than disappointment? The story starts out strong and was a page turner until they arrive at Nick's ranch ... and then it all goes downhill from there. The connection between the two main characters totally becomes stagnant and it was hard for me to finish this. The ending is too easy, not just for the way it was written, but because I was willing to say bye bye bye to Nick and Joey .. or Lauren .. or whatever that ladies name was haha. Kathleen Eagle is a great author and I wish I had her gift, because I'd darn sure write better stories than this! Oh, and one more thing ... I stopped liking Nick when he proposed to Lauren. Or is it Joey? Whatev. That random chick he picked up on the highway. Why would he ask her to marry him when he doesn't know who the heck she even is? Quite a streeeetch. And as pointed out by other posters, why would Lauren be so quick to accept when she just got out of a horrible relationship? I don't care how hot Mr. Red Shield is, lets get real Miss Eagle.
Profile Image for Michael.
1,275 reviews123 followers
October 4, 2011
Laura Davis grew up in a world of horse racing and gained recognition as a jockey. Her rocky relationship, with Raymond Vargas is rocky and she tries everything to keep her missing son safe from danger. Under unlikely circumstances, she meets Nick Red Shield who is more comfortable with horses than with people. He struggles to cope with his present life, because of his painful past. Despite Lauren`s vulnerability, he is hesitant to pursue her, because she is mysterious which is a blessing and a curse. He is unable to bridle bridle his feelings and soon passionate emotions are released and soon Nick and Lauren embrace each other. The danger that surrounds Lauren`s son would force Nick to face his past, and him and Lauren`s future together. Romantic story about hope, trust and love that bonds unlikely people together.
Profile Image for Martha.
867 reviews49 followers
October 3, 2009
4.5 of 5
The blurb gives the basics…but doesn’t tell how fabulous Nick Red Shield is: quiet, tough, responsible, compassionate, and dependable. What’s not to like! I think he is my new favorite hero! Lauren chooses to tag along with Nick and hide out as “Joey.” She is likeable, strong and determined. It takes a while for her to trust Nick although she is pretty quick to be willing to get involved with him. That didn’t seem quite right considering the relationship she just came out of, but if she would fall for anyone, Nick would be the right one! The book is full of good banter and sensual tension between Nick and Lauren. Nick’s partner Dillion is a nice side kick and the special stud, True Colors sounds like a great horse! A really wonderful read!
Profile Image for Winona.
Author 2 books27 followers
January 7, 2011
Nick Red Shield, on his way to pick up his dream stud horse, finds a woman on the side of the road. Certain he had hit her with his truck, he takes her in and takes care of her.

Lauren Davis lets Nick call her Joey, which is actually her sons name. While with Nick she forms a plan to use Nick's stud horse to get back her son, who was taken by the ex-boyfriend who had really left her for dead at the side of the road.

I don't usually read romance novels, and this one wasn't likely to make me read any more of them. I didn't really feel a connection with ANY of the characters, and I can hardly find it likely that a man could fall so madly in love with a woman who never told the him truth about a single thing the the whole time they know each other.
Profile Image for Tasneem.
1,805 reviews
August 16, 2011
I enjoyed this book even more than Mystic Horseman. I know I read them out of order, but they work well together or independently. Eagle is a fabulous writer and her knowledge and passion for horses comes through so well. She is also so subtle in the way she weaves in the Lakota stories.

Nick and Lauren are a fabulous combination. So very different on the outside and yet so much in common in the inside. He is exactly what she needs, a warrior willing to fight and put everything he owns on the line for her. Similarly, she is able to see beyond his scars to the kindness, honour and gentleness of his soul.
Profile Image for Helen.
Author 7 books275 followers
May 14, 2016
I really liked this story from the moment I read the excerpt in the back of Mystic Horseman, its companion in the 2-book series. It has horses--a gorgeous paint stallion--plus suspense and romance in a gotta-read-more mix. Nick Red Shield is the perfect hero--gruff, tough, proud and a total softy for anything injured or homeless, be it animal or woman. Lauren/Joey is supposed to be dead, but she has reasons for not wanting to stay that way. She needs Nick's help before she can do anything about those reasons. These two wounded people inch their way to trust and then love, and the reader alternately cheers for them and fears for them along the way.
Profile Image for Sarah Anderson.
Author 371 books397 followers
April 2, 2009
I just discovered Kathleen Eagle! This is the first novel of hers I've read, and I really enjoyed Nick Red Hair. In addition to just being a hunk, his Dragon Lady scar - and the story behind it - made him a guy you could believe in.

His partner Dillon is the hero of the next book, and I'm curious to see how his story plays out, because Eagle has him sort of backed into a corner.

I'm going to read more of Eagle's stories of the modern-day Lakota Indian tribes. I like her style, and I like her topics. Hunky Native Americans, horses, and happy endings. My kind of book!
Profile Image for Mary.
247 reviews
March 18, 2014
Again, this was a re-read, in search of a turn of phrase I remembered. I first read this author's books several years ago and liked her writing of Native Americans, horses and a western setting. She uses language in interesting ways, like a game or riddles sometimes. I'd forgotten that about her writing.

I found the quotes I remembered - "The Wolf Trail is the Milky Way. It's the bridge between this world and the spirit world." (pg. 238). "He was a warrior and a protector....For these actions, we honor him, and we sing him across the Wolf Trail." (pg 312).
785 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2015
This is my first time reading this author and I was very skeptical as I usually am with new (to me) authors. I needn't have been. This book surprised me on more than one occasion, so much so that I really didn't want it to end and when it did, I cried. Not many books have that distinction. When that happens, it's a keeper. This one won't be donated to the library.
Profile Image for Lynda.
146 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2009
This was written by a local author. The main character, Nick Red Shield, was strong and I immediately liked him. The story alternated between good and a little slow at times. The horse information was excellent, not so sure about the racing bits.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
December 8, 2016
I liked this book had me hooked right from the beginning.This was the first book i had read by this author and i cant wait to try more.I just adored Nick you will just love him we all need a guy like Nick a super read recommended to all
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,143 reviews
January 7, 2017
Ride a Painted Pony is the first book I have read by Kathleen Eagle. I enjoyed this story and loved Nick’s strength and determination. I felt the connection faltered at times between him and Lauren but not enough to impact the storyline. I look forward to reading more by this author
Profile Image for Gwen.
795 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2017
There is nothing I enjoy more than cowboys and horses and this story filled both categories. Wonderful characters and easy to get involved in the story, I am not surprised that I continue to read and love any story written by Kathleen Eagle.
Profile Image for Tonya.
199 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2007
This was a nice love story with some interesting details. I enjoy stories about Native Americans, so that added to my interest.
57 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2008
Kathleen's stories usually always have these three things: Horses, Suspense, Native American men; and of course, romance.

She's a fine writer. I enjoy her work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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