Spitfire A Test Pilot's Story [Import] [Paperback]

Jeffrey Quill (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Arrow Books; New Ed edition (1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099370204
• ISBN-13: 978-0099370208
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,936,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bertrice Small is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 34 novels in print. She lives in the oldest English-speaking town in New York state. Her website is bertricesmall.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wild and Irresistible, January 18, 2000

By 

Alyssa - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spitfire (Mass Market Paperback)

This book often does not get the respect it deserves. True, the characters are not particulary likeable. Arabella is spoiled and makes a very stupid choice. Tavis is overbearing and stubborn, but when you put these two together-WOW! Sparks fly from the first moment. The story is quite complex and since it is set in a very tumultous period of English history the people you encounter sometimes seem quite harsh. I love this book and read it often, I think it is one of Ms.Small's best books. An open mind is needed to fully enjoy this book and it is definitely NOT for those who are easily shocked or offended. If you are ready for an unforgettable journey with totally unique characters then this book is for you!

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Well........., February 7, 2001

By 

"jesabelle" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spitfire (Mass Market Paperback)

I'm not sure I mean this as a negative review or not. I'm not finished with the book yet. I might add I can usually finish a book in a 24 hour period but this book is giving me a bit of trouble.

Intricate is a subtle word. History and logistics are very prevelant. To me there is far too much about the King of England, the King of Scotland, politics, and who is related to who by their extramarital affairs. It is unfair for me to give an opinion before I finish the book but truthfully, I am of a mind to close the book and feel that I have not missed anything. I'm sorry to say, I'm bored with it.

This is not my first Bertrice Small book and am feeling a bit guilty for speaking my mind. At the moment, (where I am in the book) Arabella is a spy in France for Tudor. I understand Arabella's reasons and her plight but cannot help but feel it is toooooo much. She and Tavis are suppose to be in love with each other. Her determination and honor binds her to her ancestorial home and title even it if it for her daugher. I am forcing myself to finish this soon because I am curious to Tavis's reaction. I confess I have skimmed frequently and perhaps I am missing some vital events but the first and second line of the paragraph seems to explain the rest of the paragraphs intent.

To gage this review, I am partial to Stephanie Laurens, Susan Johnson, Connie Mason, Christine Feehan and I won't bore you by going on. Like most, I enjoy fiction because it is that, fiction; this however is far too detailed. The love scenes are so so. I am not one to look for many love that take up a chapter in itself describing every detail but I find them lacking in this book. The warmth and emotion are not emphasized adequately.

I apologize for my opinion before completing the book but I have read many romance novels over a 6 year period and am sorry to say this book does not hold my interest. The story and situations seem to go on forever.

I hope this has helped you. I personally rely on the reviews of other readers. I'm sorry that I cannot give this more than one star. I am not in any hurry to read any more of Ms. Small's book.

My apologies to Ms. Small and her fans. In closing, I suppose this is a negative review of this book. Sorry.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I could spit on it...it belongs in the fire!, June 26, 2005

By 

Once-a-fan (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spitfire (Mass Market Paperback)

Geez, this is has to be the slowest Small book I've read. I love Scottish historicals and even enjoy the historical political detail, but this is way too drawn out. The heroine loves her plot of land more than her hunky hubby. Ans he is way too good for her, too understanding to put up with her antics. She is a spoiled, selfish little girl (Was anyone else repulsed that she is like...12...when Jasper the villain seeks to betrothe her? And only 14, when the hero, Tavis, seeks to wed her? Both men were old enough to be her dad!! i know its histroical, but she could have been 16 that would have been more comfortable for today's reader)

And how does she go from being all virginal and moral to committing adultery on her husband with a few men, whoring for the crown, and having a threesome with twin brothers? (I have to admit that scene was hot, but not worth buying the book. It is much too brief and you have to slog through 3/4 of the book to get there---seems like Small was trying to make up for how sexually tame and politically dry all the preceding chapters were.)

Arabella's mother is an airhead, and has way too many scenes in the beginning. The hero and heroine do not even meet till nearly half way through the book!

The story begins with a great hook--a border raid, including murder and rape, which set the plot in motion but alas, is not the stuff romances are made of.

I had to force myself to finish the book. I though Arabella too analytical, not a really passionate or romantic person, I did not beleive she ever loved Tavis and did not understand why he would love her (other than that she has ankle length platinium blonde hair and never shuts up and is half his age). Its sad when the heroine has better sex scenes with characters other than the hero. I can go on and on with what makes this book so dreary--but why bother? It is what it is.

in closing, i too found myself skimming whole sections of the book, which had no effect on furthering the plot, and several times I put the book down and left it there. I just wish i would not have wasted my time picking it back up to finsih it. Especially since the ending really sucked. The one saving grace is that Small never wrote a sequel to this tripe.

Skip it, and if you are looking for a great Small Scottish romance, read Betrayed or A Love Wild and Fair instead. Now those were terrific!!