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Moonlight and Magic
Rainbows and Rapture
Yearning to be rescued from a ruthless villain, Russia Valentine resorts to blackmail in her attempt to win the heart of bounty hunter Santiago Zamora, a man not fond of Russia's choice of professions.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1992
194 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Paisley
21 books62 followersI wanted to write things ever since I learned to write my name. I started with letters to my grandmother like: “Der Grammey, I went on the ralerode trax today and finded a big pees of gum by the raleing. I piked it up and ate it. It was bananna. I chwed it till it did not have inymor flaver in it. Aftr I swaloed it I kind of thot I had sum majic in me frum the persen who first ate it. Mama sayed wat I did was veree nasty but I beeleeve in that majic.”
To this day, I remember that gum and the way it made me feel. I continued to write about things that happened to me. Sometimes they were pure non-fiction. But other times they were invented, like when I wrote a one page story about my father being Superman. He was an Air Force Fighter Pilot and often had to leave on secret missions he was forbidden to tell us about. He told us his Superman costume was hidden in the flight bag he always took with him when he left. So I wrote a page about how he didn't need his jet on that mission. No, he flew in the plain air and directed the other pilots where to go. Because of his instructions, all the enemies scattered and were never seen again.
And then I grew up and became a woman, but not before I wrote hundreds of stories. When I was about 28 or so, I wrote a very long historical romance…with my 2 year old son hanging on my leg the whole time. I sent that manuscript to every publishing house in NYC, and the editors rejected it every single time. You want to know why? Because I was writing what I thought the publishing houses wanted to buy. I was copying other authors’ styles. I didn't know any better.
After 17 rejections, I decided to write the book I wanted to read. Not a book for an editor or even readers. Freedom, at last! Freedom to invent characters that made sense to me. Characters whose thoughts mirrored mine, whose ways of doing things were my ways of doing things.
Whose hearts were offspring of mine.
I never thought to submit that manuscript to anyone. It was going to be mine, all mine, and no one else’s business because the heroine was so wild, so outrageous and different. She was not a romance heroine, Chickadee McBride. She defied every romantic heroine in the publishing rules.
But I did end up sending her and story in, and Avon Books bought her. The editor told me Chickadee McBride was a gamble, but Avon was willing to try her out. That book was THE BAREFOOT BRIDE.
After that sale, I never again wrote what other authors wrote. I stayed true to what I loved, what made me cry and laugh and be surprised. I never knew what my characters were going to do or why. I just wrote.
And eventually I became a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author, which gained me a place on Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll and the accomplishment of becoming a RITA finalist. I won Romantic Times’ Lifetime Achievement Award and Career Achievement Award as well as a Reviewers’ Choice Award for Historical Romance Fantasy and a Best Love and Laughter Award.
None of these things would have happened for me had I not decided to write a book that appealed to my quickness to laugh, my love for the outrageous, my deep sensitivity. . .
. . . or the belief that if I can dream it up, it can happen.
To this day, I remember that gum and the way it made me feel. I continued to write about things that happened to me. Sometimes they were pure non-fiction. But other times they were invented, like when I wrote a one page story about my father being Superman. He was an Air Force Fighter Pilot and often had to leave on secret missions he was forbidden to tell us about. He told us his Superman costume was hidden in the flight bag he always took with him when he left. So I wrote a page about how he didn't need his jet on that mission. No, he flew in the plain air and directed the other pilots where to go. Because of his instructions, all the enemies scattered and were never seen again.
And then I grew up and became a woman, but not before I wrote hundreds of stories. When I was about 28 or so, I wrote a very long historical romance…with my 2 year old son hanging on my leg the whole time. I sent that manuscript to every publishing house in NYC, and the editors rejected it every single time. You want to know why? Because I was writing what I thought the publishing houses wanted to buy. I was copying other authors’ styles. I didn't know any better.
After 17 rejections, I decided to write the book I wanted to read. Not a book for an editor or even readers. Freedom, at last! Freedom to invent characters that made sense to me. Characters whose thoughts mirrored mine, whose ways of doing things were my ways of doing things.
Whose hearts were offspring of mine.
I never thought to submit that manuscript to anyone. It was going to be mine, all mine, and no one else’s business because the heroine was so wild, so outrageous and different. She was not a romance heroine, Chickadee McBride. She defied every romantic heroine in the publishing rules.
But I did end up sending her and story in, and Avon Books bought her. The editor told me Chickadee McBride was a gamble, but Avon was willing to try her out. That book was THE BAREFOOT BRIDE.
After that sale, I never again wrote what other authors wrote. I stayed true to what I loved, what made me cry and laugh and be surprised. I never knew what my characters were going to do or why. I just wrote.
And eventually I became a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author, which gained me a place on Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll and the accomplishment of becoming a RITA finalist. I won Romantic Times’ Lifetime Achievement Award and Career Achievement Award as well as a Reviewers’ Choice Award for Historical Romance Fantasy and a Best Love and Laughter Award.
None of these things would have happened for me had I not decided to write a book that appealed to my quickness to laugh, my love for the outrageous, my deep sensitivity. . .
. . . or the belief that if I can dream it up, it can happen.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 21, 2009
I was a little resistant to reading this because the heroine is a prostitute, not because I look down on them, mind you. I just don't like the idea of a heroine having to sell her body for money. . But I like to challenge myself as a reader and read books that get me out of my comfort zone. It was a very good book. It was heartbreaking at times as you realize that a girl who was continually sexually abused by a so-called guardian would have little self worth and wouldn't hesitate to sell her body for a living to keep food on her table. The wonderful thing about this book was that she was such a good person. She also was one of the most cheerful people you could ever meet. She traveled from town to town with her pets, a dog and a mule, happy to be a wandering woman, and enjoying her freedom, even if selling her body is the cost.
The book begins with her telling a young guy who goes to her for his first time how great he was to boost his self-confidence (although he wasn't, but she isn't in her profession for the enjoyment of the sex, anyway).
This was before I wised up and started recording the names of characters, so unfortunately I don't remember the names of the heroine and hero.
The hero is a bitter man who is on the hunt for revenge. He has a prejudice against prostitutes but has to work with the heroine to achieve his goals. But her good heart worms her way into his affections. The skillful writing of the author shows this transition in his attitude, along with a reader who is 'wary' about the heroine being a prostitute.
This book is a western, so you get to see the views of the old West and, there is menace as the same person who hurt the heroine rears his ugly head again, trying to reclaim her.
If you get a chance to get a copy of this book, I can't recommend it highly enough. You might cry while reading it, and although the heroine and hero suffer much, you will go away from reading it with a smile on your face.
The book begins with her telling a young guy who goes to her for his first time how great he was to boost his self-confidence (although he wasn't, but she isn't in her profession for the enjoyment of the sex, anyway).
This was before I wised up and started recording the names of characters, so unfortunately I don't remember the names of the heroine and hero.
The hero is a bitter man who is on the hunt for revenge. He has a prejudice against prostitutes but has to work with the heroine to achieve his goals. But her good heart worms her way into his affections. The skillful writing of the author shows this transition in his attitude, along with a reader who is 'wary' about the heroine being a prostitute.
This book is a western, so you get to see the views of the old West and, there is menace as the same person who hurt the heroine rears his ugly head again, trying to reclaim her.
If you get a chance to get a copy of this book, I can't recommend it highly enough. You might cry while reading it, and although the heroine and hero suffer much, you will go away from reading it with a smile on your face.
July 18, 2010
Paisley lost me on page...2.
I do not believe that the leading lady is on a desperate run for her life and has been living a hand to mouth lifestyle if she gives her life savings to a John she just met and serviced when he says he wants to buy his mother a gift but is broke.
Maybe he shouldn't be wasting his money on whores then, huh?
IF this had been done to show how stupid this chick is, that would be one thing...But I'm suppose to feel more empathy for this hooker with a heart of gold?
No, she's retarded.
I never liked Pretty Woman either.
I do not believe that the leading lady is on a desperate run for her life and has been living a hand to mouth lifestyle if she gives her life savings to a John she just met and serviced when he says he wants to buy his mother a gift but is broke.
Maybe he shouldn't be wasting his money on whores then, huh?
IF this had been done to show how stupid this chick is, that would be one thing...But I'm suppose to feel more empathy for this hooker with a heart of gold?
No, she's retarded.
I never liked Pretty Woman either.
December 26, 2020
Ridiculous
I'm sorry, but you cannot follow what the main female character is saying half the time. She's an idiot who can't even keep the name of her cat straight. I'm sorry but I just couldn't finish this book. Maybe others will like it, but for me, its a no.
I'm sorry, but you cannot follow what the main female character is saying half the time. She's an idiot who can't even keep the name of her cat straight. I'm sorry but I just couldn't finish this book. Maybe others will like it, but for me, its a no.
February 28, 2012
Rainbows and Rapture by Rebecca Paisley
Ms Paisley didn’t write many books but the ones she wrote are all on my keeper shelf! A MUST read author.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
A charmingly naive "soiled dove" with a heart of gold and a talent for catastrophe, beautiful Russia Valentine needs a fairy tale hero who will rescue her from a villain's dangerous attentions. And Santiago Zamora is her champion of choice --- a handsome, hardened Texas gunslinger who makes her blush with desire like an innocent schoolgirl. But Santiago harbors bitter resentments toward women of Russia's profession . . . and even despises her cat Nehemiah --- forcing the flaxen-haired beauty to resort to blackmail in her determined attempt to win the reluctant bounty hunter's aid and affections. For she believes with all her soul that fairy tales can come true --- and even two astoundingly mismatched hearts can be joined by the healing touch of tenderness . . . and the passionate promise of rapturous love.
Ms Paisley didn’t write many books but the ones she wrote are all on my keeper shelf! A MUST read author.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
A charmingly naive "soiled dove" with a heart of gold and a talent for catastrophe, beautiful Russia Valentine needs a fairy tale hero who will rescue her from a villain's dangerous attentions. And Santiago Zamora is her champion of choice --- a handsome, hardened Texas gunslinger who makes her blush with desire like an innocent schoolgirl. But Santiago harbors bitter resentments toward women of Russia's profession . . . and even despises her cat Nehemiah --- forcing the flaxen-haired beauty to resort to blackmail in her determined attempt to win the reluctant bounty hunter's aid and affections. For she believes with all her soul that fairy tales can come true --- and even two astoundingly mismatched hearts can be joined by the healing touch of tenderness . . . and the passionate promise of rapturous love.
July 4, 2019
I could nitpick on all the unrealistic things in this book, but honestly I don't care. This was a really enjoyable and funny read full of hope. Clumsy, naive and trusting Russia was perfect for jaded, misunderstood and secretly kind-hearted Santiago.
Highly recommended and I will definitely check out other books by this author.
Highly recommended and I will definitely check out other books by this author.
August 9, 2022
I struggled terribly with this book. Russia's dialogue was very annoying and if Santiago said "Santa Maria" one more time I was going to throw my kindle!
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December 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2020)! 🎁
May 22, 2021
Fun, feisty,fierce and flawed
Fun, feisty, fierce and flawed describe the main characters of Russia Valentine and Santiago Zamora. He is a feared gunslinger, while she is a soiled dove; something that Santiago despises enormously.
Thrown together by her blackmail of him, they partner up (reluctantly on his part) to find her hated step father. What they discover about each other is a world of hurt hidden deep down.
Humour and great characterization abound in this story. The flaws in each character drive the story along to its conclusion. I am so glad I discovered this author quite by chance. I wanted to rush through the story in order to discover how the plot was resolved, but at the same time reprimanded myself for not reading at a slower pace to make it last longer!
Fun, feisty, fierce and flawed describe the main characters of Russia Valentine and Santiago Zamora. He is a feared gunslinger, while she is a soiled dove; something that Santiago despises enormously.
Thrown together by her blackmail of him, they partner up (reluctantly on his part) to find her hated step father. What they discover about each other is a world of hurt hidden deep down.
Humour and great characterization abound in this story. The flaws in each character drive the story along to its conclusion. I am so glad I discovered this author quite by chance. I wanted to rush through the story in order to discover how the plot was resolved, but at the same time reprimanded myself for not reading at a slower pace to make it last longer!
December 29, 2020
Best book I have ever read
The moment I started reading this book, I knew it was a jewel. The character of Russia Valentine is so real and honest and hysterically funny. The plot is imaginitive and believable. I found myself laughing out loud and I'd not want this book to end. Great job, Rebecca!!
The moment I started reading this book, I knew it was a jewel. The character of Russia Valentine is so real and honest and hysterically funny. The plot is imaginitive and believable. I found myself laughing out loud and I'd not want this book to end. Great job, Rebecca!!
August 2, 2021
I can't believe I'm giving this five stars but I am. The heroine was overly dramatic and so charming and full of surprising depths. And she had the most ridiculous nicknames for her cat so I felt an affinity with her. This had me laughing like crazy and also completely rooting for the couple.
July 14, 2011
The heroine Russia is the reason this book is so good. She is a charmingly naive "soiled dove" with a heart of gold.
September 12, 2012
Utterly sweet. The story flowed nicely and I loved the characters. A must try for peeps who like historical romances. I'm glad I found such a wonderful book.
April 12, 2018
Very unusual. Wonderful, wonderful characters.
January 24, 2022
My mind of book
I started this book and couldn't put it down. It was so well written and the characters were so well done that I though
t I knew them. I laughed so hard at Russia s word usage. The book was just delightful!
I started this book and couldn't put it down. It was so well written and the characters were so well done that I though
t I knew them. I laughed so hard at Russia s word usage. The book was just delightful!
Read
September 25, 2025Sweet Book
This was a sweet, warm romantic novel. I enjoyed the journey of Santiago and Russia as they found both love and redemption. It was a wonderful escape from the quagmire of today's reality.
This was a sweet, warm romantic novel. I enjoyed the journey of Santiago and Russia as they found both love and redemption. It was a wonderful escape from the quagmire of today's reality.
January 7, 2021
Sweet tale of love between hardened gunslinger and soiled dove who sounds more like Annie Oakley.
Read
March 2, 2022DNF. Too much Old West kind of slang. It was funny and cute at first but it was overused.
December 19, 2024
I’m surprised I made it to page 18! The diction makes this book unbearable. If the character wasn’t so stupid, it might’ve worked.
November 17, 2014
Somehow I missed this book the first time it came out. I'm glad I discovered it when she rereleased it. Granted it's a Western setting, but don't consign it to one bookshelf. If you enjoy classic historical romance you'll find this story satisfying because it strikes all the right chords. Strong, intriguing characters, sparks flying, conflict galore and enough heat to keep you warm on a winter's night.
May 11, 2014
Even though the 'vernacular as it were' was really beginning to get on my nerves, the smiles and out loud chuckles/laughs these characters produced one my breaks and lunch hours had my co-workers demanding to know what I was reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
March 18, 2015
One of the most delightful Western romances I've ever read about a fallen angel heroine and a assassin drifter. Hilarious also!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews