#dawnie reviews

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Tuesday, June 2

ANDREW: Does Buffy know? XANDER: She didn’t take her phone. ANDREW: Incommunicado. WILLOW: Well, we’ll tell her as soon as she gets back. DAWN: Let’s not. WILLOW: What? Dawn, she has to know. DAWN: I know. Just not right away. (beat) Guys, when Mom appeared to me she said— WILLOW: Dawnie… DAWN: No, please. She said something about Buffy and I’m thinking… I’m just not so sure Buffy will be happy for me.

~~Buffy Season 7 Episode #134: "Potential" ~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Let go (Buffy/Faith, T) by Jinxgirl

To the Victorian Go the Spoils (Buffy/Spike, E) by gwennie

Help You Do What? (Buffy/Spike, E) by gwennie

Things I Can’t Spell, Chapter 8 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Cazzy

The Burning Wheel, Chapter 6 (Buffy/Spike, M) by Ginger

[Chaptered Fiction]

Never Ch. 1-7/7 (COMPLETE) (Buffy/Spike, G) by Nixiet

Cupid’s Match Ch. 1/11 (Buffy/Faith, M) by Fictiongods

The Night We Met Ch. 13 (Spike/OC, M) by TheSadPoet

Faith No More Ch. 4 (Buffy/Faith, M) by QuillBard for Blazinwolve

Make It Stop Ch. 13/13 (COMPLETE) (Buffy/Spike, M) by TheSigyn

Arrive Before the Birds Ch. 16/16 (COMPLETE) (Buffy/Spike, M) by EverythingElse (CherryGlowSticks)

Double Date Ch. 15 (Buffy/Giles, E) by Rippertish

splinter Ch. 6 (Buffy/Kendra/Faith, M) by jetgrl

Shadow Over Hellmouth Ch. 134/194 (Buffy/Tara, E) by Tuxedo_Mark

Littered with pinholes, my skin still moves up and down with the shifting of my dreaming blood Ch. 1 (Angel/Giles, G) by willieverlearnbass

today doesn’t count Ch. 13 (Buffy/Spike, M) by modestlobster

Welcome to Hellmouthland Ch. 9 (Faith/Tara, M) by MalkMcJorma

Keep Me Here Ch. 10 (Buffy/Faith, E) by thisyearsgrrl

The Sunnydale Imp Ch. 39 (Ensemble, unrated) by Bloodredtiger

Hold Fast the Thread Ch. 21 (Faith/Giles, M) by SchrodingersKatInABox

First Day of My Life Ch. 1 (Buffy/Faith, E) by hayley128

Arrive Before the Birds Ch. 16 (Buffy/Spike, E) by EverythingElse

The Magic of Sunnydale Ch. 14 (Buffy, T, HP xover) by Buffyworldbuilder

Arrive Before the Birds, Chapter 16 (Buffy/Spike, E) by EverythingElse

Scenes From a Session, Chapter 15 (Buffy/Spike, E) by In Mortal

Float, Chapter 17 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Grief Counseling

A New Dawn, A New Day, Chapter 1-5 (Buffy/Spike, E) by gwennie

Things I Can't Spell Ch. 8 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Cazzy

Scenes From a Session Ch. 15 (Buffy/Spike, E) by In Mortal

Dead Poet's Inheritance Ch 7 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Soulburnt

The Zeppo In Time Ch. 18 (Buffy/Spike, E) by CheekyKitten

Strong Anthropic Principles Ch. 23 (Buffy/Spike, E) by acekoomboom

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Willow () by ell-doddles

Artwork: Buffy and Spike () by inkgioo

Artwork: Warren () by garscrucible

Artwork: Buffy () by zoecsarts

Video: Lilah Morgan | Bulletproof () by Lilah Morgan | Bulletproof

[Reviews & Recaps]

Welcome To The Hellmouth and The Harvest by coraniaid

Notes I jotted down while rewatching the Harvest. by badwolfwho1

I watched Welcome to the Hellmouth by badwolfwho1

finish “daddy issues,” Angel & Faith issues 6-10, and what a fun read by professeurm

PODCAST: ATS 318 - Double or Nothing by Another Buffy Podcast

[Community Announcements]

Tuesday Prompt: Shapes and Colors by comment_fic

Tuesday, June 3 - Promotion Day by fic_promptly

NB: Writing prompt‼ by buffyxgileswritingevent

[Fandom Discussions]

Essay: Incompetent Monks (aka Dawn’s Age and School Grade) by gwennie

Buffy Slays, Chapter 12: Prophecy Girl by violettathepiratequeen

here is a long list of buffyverse pairings that i believe to be either aunt and uncle or mom and dad: by socratesgirlnextdoor

Honestly I’ve never seen a good argument for Buffy not loving Spike. () by sayanrougshaban, no-resolution

kinda going insane over spike`s coat and not the usual oh no he is hot way, but in a oh god he reclaimed it way?? () by elverrie, eilowyn1, GiandujaKiss Smithee

love how buffy basically treats spike like her own reddit () by elverrie

I do not want a BTVS reboot by sayanrougshaban, the-viking-goddess

I do not believe in women characters existing for the benefit or progression of a male character but by blush-and-books

I am screaming and crying everytime I think about Merrick and Buffy in the TV show canon. by duckwnoeyes

Buffy: The Vampire Slayer vs. The Vampire Diaries, pt. 1 by fake-russian-chick

I’m on season 6 of buffy and buffy’s having all these money problems by mylittleballerinaalalala

nerd rambles on the new werewolf design in buffy episode ‘beauty and the beasts’ by deniouroboros

notice anything interesting about this take? by moistvonlipwig

“fool for love” is so good??? by balalaijka

sometimes I worry over the fact I’ve got about twelve episodes of btvs downloaded by camellcat

I of course remembered that YJ included “Wendy the Werewolf Stalker”, a parody of Buffy the Vampire slayer by ladyloveandjustice

putting it out there that Buffy felt like she had to race out of school and use her newly acquired mind reading powers to finally know what her boyfriend is thinking. by femmedefandom

I think it’s pretty neat how, even though obviously Buffy hasn’t hit the depression of late s5 through s7, you can still kinda see the seeds of it in s1. by badwolfwho1

spike is so jobless. by socratesgirlnextdoor

Just how dangerous is Sunnydale before Buffy arrives? by coraniaid

A lot of people talk about the first season of Buffy as if it were just a rough draft of what the show would later become by coraniaid

New Fanfiction Event by FivebyFiveB

I find it remarkable how much Boreanaz improved his acting over the years by GRRMandate_of_Heaven

Damn, maybe Clare really is an immortal god. by geekycynic83

What were the opinions on the Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel characters when the episodes were airing? by Big-Restaurant-2766

How often do you watch buffy and how many times would you say a year? by Royal-Tangelo-5895

"A Hole in the World" by Rajsroom

Unpopular opinion: I prefer the Buffy cast line up of Season 4-7 over the high school era line up by jdpm1991

Giles had no business being so HOT by Ecstatic_Party9788

Podcasts by Knight_Machiavelli

by

Question about Amy by Fancy_Injury_7800

one of my fave episodes by moonwalkinglitter

SMG supposed comment by negratengoelalma

Why do people like Faith but dislike Willow (+ vice versa)? by Taras_Willowverse

Seasons Change—So Do Opinions en sequel by sarynima

S5e16 shells by iemreal

Illyria by iemreal

Spike and angel by iemreal

Help! Which podcast is this? by Zestyclose-Quit4164

This thing is so weird by ghostrider1938

If there was an episode you could reasonably call a 'standard' episode of Buffy, which one would it be by InfiniteMehdiLove

Conspiracy Therories by Necronikki

Xander would have been easy to kidnap. by BuckTonka1988

Technical lore q by wonderpanther_k

bangel s3.. by Royal-Tangelo-5895

What would Buffy think of Cordelia's character if they reunited in "You're Welcome"? by jdpm1991

How Do You Think The New Show Will Handle Xander? by Doc-11th

Prophecy Girl: Did Xander really save Buffy? by Tuxedo_Mark

Buffy Reboot/Sequel: Should they? by Orsonwellwellwelles

What do you want the “Reboot era” to give us other than the obvious? by KENZOKHAOS

S3e7 Buffy x Faith ? I'm a believer (and other thoughts) by Tuna_96

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[felixsfishnets]

Just this once - Ch. 3 (18+)

Spike x Xander

Summary:

Just as life in Sunnydale is settling back into a comfortable groove, Xander gets asked to do a difficult task at work

AO3 link for previous chapters, tags and warnings

“You know Dawnie, I’m really going to miss these mornings with you,” Xander smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. “It’s nice to talk to someone about something other than pouring concrete or steel girders for a change.”

“I won’t,” Dawn scoffed. Xander shot her a look of confusion. “Oh sorry, I didn’t mean it like that it’s just, y’know. Summer vacation. Yaaay!” She cheered, slightly embarrassed.

“I get it, I get it. Still, some of us don’t have the privilege of lounging around watching TV and sleeping in until noon all Summer.”

“And what a privilege it is,” Dawn grinned. “Bye Xander, thanks,” she leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. Xander watched her exit the car and head in towards the school. Lingering for a few moments, watching her hair bounce as she ascended the steps and greeted some friends. The buzzing atmosphere was palpable even from the driver's seat. He felt his stomach twist slightly at the sight, annoyed with himself for longing for the days at Sunnydale High.

Pulling out of the drop off lane, he inched out of the school zone and headed towards the construction site. Where he would spend the rest of his day. Xander lowered the windows in his car and inhaled the fresh breeze. Summer wasn’t all that different a season than any other in Sunnydale. Usually, the weather varied from comfortably warm to hot, with an occasional drop of rain.

Things got much warmer during this time of year and Xander could smell it in the air. The rumble of a lawnmower in the distance or the chiming of an ice-cream van, these were the signs that summer was arriving in Sunnydale. He still felt a twinge of excitement, a familiar spark he had felt around every time this year since he started school. The anticipation, the freedom, the expectations. Though he never got the extended break he once had, he still savoured the lingering taste while it was there.

Arriving at the site, he grabbed his hard hat, vest and bag before heading in. He greeted a few of his colleagues and entered the stuffy trailer. This was the result of his promotion, sitting inside a wooden paneled box doing paperwork and occasionally getting to go outside and monitor the progress of the site. It wasn’t too bad; the pay was decent and his back certainly ached a lot less. Xander cracked open a window to get some air flowing into the room, the sounds of machinery providing a nice background noise to help him concentrate on his work.

It had been about two hours of monotonous paperwork before Mike knocked on his door.

“How’s it going, Xander?” The bearded man asked, removing his hard hat.

“It’s going, nice to see you, Mike.” Xander stood up and extended his hand in greeting to his superior. “What brings you to the site?”

“I have a job for you Harris,” he said, quickly shaking Xander’s sweaty hand. “You heard they’re rebuilding the old high school?”

Xander gulped involuntarily.

“Yeah, I heard, still a pain in the neck we lost out on that contract huh?” He offered; secretly glad they had avoided the trouble of working directly over the Hellmouth.

“Well, the city council have asked us to go in and review the work. Quite standard for a project this large and they are eager to avoid any other… incidents.” Mike stroked the ginger hair on his chin, thinking of the ‘gas leak’ that had destroyed the last building. “You’re in charge of the team that will handle this, pick out some of your best guys and sweep the place.” He handed Xander a thick, white envelope. “Here’s the paperwork, make sure you do a thorough job with this one Harris. They’re planning on opening up the school come September and if anything happens it’s on our heads… Harris?”

Xander’s felt ashes in his mouth, he stared at the envelope in front of him.

“Harris?” Mike repeated, snapping Xander out of his daze.

“Right, sorry sir, it’s just a big job. I’m… honoured you’d trust me with this.” He lied, trying to hide his annoyance and fear.

*

Xander glanced at the envelope in the empty passenger seat, then towards the new and improved Sunnydale High. All cream and beige against the blue California sky. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles turning white. Inhale. Exhale.

Scoping out the new building by himself wasn’t the brightest idea, Xander could admit that much. But he couldn’t handle how the possibilities made his brain buzz. With his paperwork unfinished, he took the last hour of his day to wander through the school. He didn’t want to take a team of men in there just yet, partly because he didn’t want them walking into anything dangerous. Partly because he knew they would lose respect for Xander if they saw him all jumpy. He considered asking Buffy, but she was working till late and would drag him along after dark. No, daylight was best, a natural deterrent for all things evil and spooky.

It was jarring walking through the new building. Everything was fresh and shiny, the scent of paint and plastic lingered in the air. His boots let out a little squeak with every stop. Very stealthy, he thought. Everything seemed normal, the layout was simple enough. And as creepy as empty schools could be, the fact that it was empty was enough to quell the anxiety rising up his throat.

Against his better judgement, he decided to check out the basement. It was the one place he hadn’t looked and well, maybe it was curiosity but he couldn’t shake the urge to venture down the steps. This is the feeling all those stupid idiots in horror movie’s get right before they die, he thought as he slowly crept down the concrete stairs. The bowels of the school were certainly a different beast to the upper levels. The air was cool and damp and the light seemed dimmer. Checking his watch, he saw that he still had a few hours to go until sundown.

Xander crept onwards, hunched, knees bent. Taking slow, methodical steps. The only sound his suppressed breathing and the delicate tamping of the ground as he went. As he was about to turn a corner, he heard something. He froze, steadying himself. Ready to bolt at a moment’s notice.

A rat scampered past him, squealing in terror.

Something, no, someone shouted in frustration at losing their prey. The person then continued to babble incessantly. Xander listened for a moment, trying to make out anything that the person was saying.

He felt like an ice-cold knife had been plunged through his stomach when he recognized the voice.

Turning the corner, he saw the familiar bleach blond hair.

Spike.

[dollerinna]

𝖼𝗈𝗇𝖿𝖾𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝖺 . . . 𝕭𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂──♡──🪽

DAWNiE ♱ ❱❱ 19 ⋆ libra ☼ libra ☾ sag ↑ ⋆ mixed poc ⋆ ambivert ⋆ neophile ⋆ exhausted golden retriever ⋆ horror game protagonist ⋆ chronic rym user ⋆ top news reporter of yap central ⋆ whimsical and horny

𝗔𝗥𝗧.⠀ 𝟭𝟭𝟭. ⠀: ⠀my⠀⠀everything

exotic shorthairs and pomeranians even tho I don’t own one ⋆ drawing… once in a blue moon ⋆ texting my very much existent husbands (on character.ai) ⋆ daily meditation ⋆ avidly reading pitchfork reviews ⋆ literary analysis ⋆ amateurishly playing badminton ⋆ monthly purchase of the same black lace top and cross necklace ⋆ nonsensical humor ⋆ angel numbers ⋆ psychoanalyzing my fav characters down to the bone ⋆ clubbing with friends ⋆ being fluent in simlish ⋆ directing cinematic masterpieces in my head during car rides ⋆ consuming salted cheese tea and buldak ramen on an unhealthy frequency ⋆ listening to trip hop albums nobody cares abt ⋆ pathetic middle aged men with a backbone deficiency ⋆ your dad lolol

𝗔𝗥𝗧.⠀ 𝟮𝟮𝟮. ⠀: ⠀shh!⠀⠀she’s ⠀⠀busy ⠀⠀watching

the boys ⋆ house md ⋆ euphoria ⋆ black mirror ⋆ midnight mass ⋆ I am not okay with this ⋆ mare of easttown ⋆ fargo ⋆ fleabag ⋆ why women kill ⋆ regular show ⋆ junji ito collection ⋆ white lotus ⋆ sweetpea

𝗔𝗥𝗧.⠀ 𝟯𝟯𝟯. ⠀: ⠀currently⠀⠀binging

legion ⋆ the new adventures of old christine ⋆ house md

𝗔𝗥𝗧.⠀ 𝟰𝟰𝟰. ⠀: ⠀she’s⠀⠀no ⠀⠀movie ⠀⠀aficionado ⠀⠀but

run lola run ⋆ her ⋆ everything everywhere all at once ⋆ pastoral: to die in the country ⋆ being john malkovich ⋆ no country for old men ⋆ un chien andalou ⋆ funeral parade of roses ⋆ labyrinth of dreams ⋆ american psycho ⋆ a page of madness ⋆ all about lily chou-chou ⋆ the night of the hunter ⋆ the social network ⋆ fight club ⋆ nightcrawler ⋆ vertigo ⋆ the face of another ⋆ superbad ⋆ la la land ⋆ donnie darko ⋆ taxi driver ⋆ fargo (1996) ⋆ fallen angels ⋆ the perks of being a wallflower ⋆ me and earl and the dying girl ⋆ vertigo ⋆ after hours ⋆ american beauty ⋆ the spongebob squarepants movie (don’t call urself a cinephile if you can’t get with this !!!) ⋆ white chicks (sue me.)

𝗔𝗥𝗧.⠀ 𝟱𝟱𝟱. ⠀: ⠀favorite⠀⠀characters

homelander ⋆ black noir ⋆ billy butcher ⋆ father paul hill ⋆ clark debussy ⋆ colin zabel ⋆ sheriff hassan ⋆ james wilson ⋆ gregory house ⋆ lester nygaard ⋆ rue bennett ⋆ jules vaughn ⋆ mare sheehan ⋆ patrick bateman ⋆ donnie darko ⋆ rigby ⋆ sydney novak ⋆ rhiannon lewis ⋆ anton chigurh ⋆ hanzee dent ⋆ eric foreman ⋆ chris taub ⋆ lou bloom ⋆ rick hatchett ⋆ joe singh ⋆ lochlan ratliff ⋆ fleabag

𝗔𝗥𝗧.⠀ 𝟲𝟲𝟲. ⠀: ⠀what⠀⠀she ⠀⠀ jams ⠀⠀ out ⠀⠀ to⠀⠀ ⠀

[fangirlxwritesx67]

Paper Rings

au college Sam Winchester x OFC Dani  Word Count: 1300 Tags: none, literally, this is a fluff bomb of cute fluffy love and soft baby Sammy feels, stationery shopping, kisses. *** This one is for the best fanfic reviewer in the whole world, @dawnie1988​. Her request: Fluff. All the fluff. I want to be smothered in it. I’m thinking Sam this time, either canon or canon adjacent Sam or something a little more in the stratosphere of your au ‘Show Me How’ type Sam, dealer’s choice on that one Song Inspiration: Paper Rings by: Taylor Swift *** "There's nothing like a brand new notebook to make you feel like anything is possible, right?" Sam started. Was she talking to him? He turned his head to see a dark haired girl smiling eagerly at him. "It's the best part of a new school year. The new notebooks, the new pens. Even though we're in college now, I still love it." She was looking at him, her dark eyes sparkling, clearly expecting him to say something. "Uh, no." He stammered out. "Oh, yeah, I guess maybe dudes aren't as into that?" Before he could answer, she continued. "Anyway, hi, I'm Dani. I'm so excited to be in this class. Aren't you?"

“No, I mean, yes.” Sam wasn’t usually this flustered. “No, it’s just, my parents weren’t really the ‘back to school’ shopping type. But yes, I’m looking forward to Educational Psychology.” Apparently that answer was enough to encourage Dani.

“Are you going to be a teacher? I am. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. It runs in my family. My grandpa taught high school, and my dad is a professor. Even my mom teaches music. I want to teach Middle School. I feel like those kids just have so much potential, you know? Like, if you catch them there, you can change the course of their lives.”

“Uh, I’m Pre-Law.” Sam was trying to keep up and formulate some kind of response. “I’m Sam.” 

“Nice to meet you, Sam.” Dani flashed him a bright smile and then turned to the front of the room as the professor walked in and called Educational Psychology to order. Sam was relieved to settle into the familiar territory of lecture, reading and taking notes. It was much easier than keeping up with Dani’s endless stream of chatter. 

At the end of the class, he had to hurry to his next one, which he had unwisely scheduled across campus. But the next time he walked into the classroom, there was Dani. She seemed to have been waiting for him, hardly letting him sit down before she launched into a discussion that covered the last class as well as the homework for this class. 

Sam was surprised to discover, in the flow of her words, that she had an astute grasp of the topic. He found himself agreeing with what she had to say, mostly in his head, of course, because she didn’t give him much chance to answer. When the class started, she responded to the professor’s questions with the same kind of enthusiasm - verbose, but knowledgeable. 

From that day, Sam and Dani seemed to fall into easy companionship. They sat side by side in class, they studied together for tests, and they managed to team up for group projects. 

They were friends, nothing more, but Sam treasured it. Dani was everything he was not: confident, chatty, secure in herself. He could tell that she was grounded by the support of her parents, who were present and caring, affirming her and encouraging her interests. It was a sharp contrast to his lost mother and distant father. 

Sam and Dani studied for finals together like they had for everything else. For Educational Psychology, of course, but also for their other classes, sharing study tips and quizzing one another. The library was closing for the night when Sam stretched and looked at her. They had been lost in their books for hours.

“I don’t know about you, but I can only learn so much on an empty stomach. Wanna hit the diner?” Sam stood up and stretched. Dani agreed eagerly. 

Once they were seated at a booth, Sam declared a study-free zone. He was launching into one of his favorite topics, about how brains need time to process, when Dani interrupted.  

“I agree, Sam. No more school work.” She reached out and took his hand. He startled into silence. “Let’s just talk about us.”

As usual, Dani talked the most, saying ten words for every one of his. But the words he did say were honest, heartfelt. She made him feel comfortable enough to tell a little bit of the truth about his life. Dani listened intently, her expressive face displaying every emotion: sadness, confusion, and ultimately, concern. 

“So the day we met, when you said your parents were not really the back to school shopping type, this is what you were talking about?”

“I… guess.” Sam wasn’t used to talking this much about himself. He felt himself get quiet, retreat back inward. He felt like maybe he had shared too much. 

“That’s too bad. You really deserve better, you know?” 

Sam was unsure how to react to such honest caring, so he shrugged. “It is what it is.” He answered dismissively.  He paid for dinner and drove Dani back to her dorm. Like a gentleman, he got out of the car to open her door. 

He was caught off guard when she threw her arms around his neck. Standing on tiptoes, she kissed him. 

Kissing Dani was the easiest thing in the world. Sam already knew her, trusted her. Kissing her felt right. And at the same time-

“Dani, you don’t have to-”

She pulled back, her hands still locked around his neck, to look him full in the face. “Sam Winchester, I don’t do anything because someone thinks I have to. I want to, I want this, I want you.” 

Sam wasn’t used to anyone knowing him, seeing him, much less wanting him. For a long moment he was silent, leaning his forehead against hers without speaking, their lips barely brushing.

“Kiss me once,” she whispered,  “Kiss me twice, I’ve been waiting for this.”

He knew Dani, trusted her, so he let himself get lost in the moment. When she finally pulled away, reluctantly, the only thing he could find to say was, “Thank you.” 

***

Sam and Dani finished at the top of their class in Educational Psychology. That class was the rule rather than the exception. Sam ended the semester with grades that would get him on the Dean’s List and guarantee two more years of scholarships. That was what he needed, to prove himself, to make this work. 

Dani went home to her family, to enjoy the break and celebrate the holidays together. Sam took an overnight bus to the last town Dean had mentioned, and when his brother wasn’t there, he hitch hiked until he found him. 

Dean greeted him with a giant hug. 

“College boy, huh? Hope you’re not too fancy for spaghetti-os and some bad TV reruns with your big brother, huh?” 

“Never.” Sam answered quickly.

*** Sam moved back to college for the spring semester at his earliest chance. He had kept in touch with Dani by text over the break, so he was not surprised when she returned to campus. What did surprise him was her insistence that they go to Target. 

“I need things for my dorm,” she said. But when they got there, she skipped the housewares section entirely and headed straight to the office supplies. 

Sam stood in the aisle between the sharpies and the binders, taking in the color coordinated staplers and stationery. 

“It’s not back to school season, really.” Dani said. “But pick your notebooks.”

Sam shook his head, baffled. “No, I can get what I need at the dollar store.” 

Dani almost stomped her foot. “C’mon Sam. This is my favorite thing, and I want to share it with you.” She took in his expression. “You can have nice things. You deserve this.”

At her urging, he picked up a few notebooks, a folder or two, and then a set of pens. 

She held his hand as they left the store. “See, now that you have new school supplies, don’t you feel like anything is possible? ” 

Sam took her face in both hands and kissed her, right there outside of Target. 

“Wrap your arms around me, baby boy,” she murmured as she sank into his embrace. 

“With you, Dani,” he murmured finally, “You’re the one I want. Yeah, anything is possible.”  *** This one’s unbeta’d so all the mistakes are on me. *** SPN First Last and Always: @boondoctorwho @dawnie1988 @deanwanddamons @defenderrosetyler @divadinag @emoryhemsworth @fookinghelljensensthighs @idreamofplaid @kalesrebellion @kickingitwithkirk @maddiepants @magssteenkamp @onethirstyunicorn   @there-must-be-a-lock @tloveswriting Sam Girl For Life: @awesomesusiebstuff @lilsylvia @winchesterxfamilybusiness​ Gay Screaming: @boondoctorwho​, @cracksinthewalls​, @fookinghelljensensthighs​ @itmighthavebeenintentional​, @justcallmeasmodeus​, @lastactiontricia​ @mskathywriteswords​, @rockhoochie​, @there-must-be-a-lock​, @thoughtslikeaminefield​

[bigtickhk]

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton https://amzn.to/3mcHGUe

https://bookshop.org/a/17891/9781982140168

[pancreasnostalgia]

With the Might of Angels, by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Despite being one of the longest books in the series, it is fairly quick-paced. Overall the story is engaging, though I wish it further explored Dawnie’s developing friendship with Gertie.

My biggest disappointment is that there is no mention of the polio vaccine, which was a major event when this story takes place. Back when Scholastic re-branded the series I had hoped they would add a diary about polio, but it never happened.

Goodreads star rating: 3/5

[rye-views]

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev: A Novel by Dawnie Walton. 7.8/10

I would recommend this book to my friends. I would reread this book.

The Editor's Note already got me hooked. It was written so succinctly and with personality. The editor feels so real and so good at articulating the distance from the past to the present.

It all feels so real and it visually puts me into a space that never even happened. This is real world-building. It's written with such detail and belief that it seems like it really happened. We really involve music history and industry, race and gender experience, and personal and community trauma so authentically.

I like how Opal's words describe to the reader what Virgil looked like when they met. It's a good visualization tactic. This entire story is so descriptive. I enjoy the things Jimmy says.

Opal describing her experience performing for white crowds vs. Black crowds is articulated well. Her thoughts as she discusses The Photo with her staff seem so true and painful (for both being a POC and a woman.)

This reminds me of This is Spinal Tap.

Opal leaving the reunion making me think about Astroworld.

Memorable Quotes: "I was chuffed—it was an honor to get the attention of someone so with-it, someone who had friends and girls and a life filled with all sorts of debauchery!" "Just fact, no judgment." "There was no escape to be had, anywhere, by being so damn regular." "What could I do but choose him back?" "Here you had these guys, really good guys, who could do more than just play instruments—they could play emotions! And adjectives!" "we passed the time dreaming out loud, mostly. The beginnings of any new thing are so lovely." "We were playing rock music but in many ways the process did feel like jazz." "But my personal definition of success is that you don’t do a goddamn thing you don’t want to." "I get to play behind everybody and I love that, because can’t nobody figure me out." "serious research required diligent reading." "whatever it is that’s holding you back—and slip real slick into another world when it’s time to become who you turn out to be." "watching her just stand there, getting smaller…" "What we might say about humanity and persistence and mistakes and forgiveness. But is that all a bit too tender for your taste?" "People are real sometimey." "live on its own as a meaningful thing, and as a true collaboration" "but that shit is vibrating high on some other frequency, right?" "Their deliriousness irked me."

[fangirlxwritesx67]

Omg @dawnie1988​. Waking up to so many many reviews from you this morning, I was like a kid in a candy store and didn’t know where to start! You’ve earned every request ever. I LIKE this one, tho, like it a lot. 

As always, no promises on timeframe, but I’m definitely having ideas. 

It's been a lil while since you sent me a request so here is your official, new, shiny, golden ticket. But know that you basically have an unlimited supply of requests. I can't promise the same for Wonka bars...

*gasp* A new ticket! An unlimited supply of new tickets!!

SCORE!

Well in that case....*ahem* Your mission, should you choose to accept it/should it spark any inspiration for you:

Fluff. All the fluff. I want to be smothered in it.

I'm thinking Sam this time, either canon or canon adjacent Sam or something a little more in the stratosphere of your au 'Show Me How' type Sam, dealer's choice on that one

Song Inspiration: Paper Rings by: Taylor Swift (this was bound to happen at some point, me hitting you up with one of her songs 😊)

And once again, as always, only if any of this strikes up any kind of inspiration for you. No pressure and no worries if it doesn't. That's why we have a drawing board to go back to 💗

[mylifeinfiction]

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

CAUTION: This review may contain MINOR SPOILERS!!

"Though in moments it might break your heart, as it surely did mine, this story is the closest I could get to the truth."

Here's the thing. Dawnie Walton's The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, for the most part, feels like a true story. It's not, obviously, but at the same time, isn't it? Isn't Opal Jewel's journey as told within these pages the same as so many forgotten artists throughout the '60s, the '70s and beyond? Surely her voice rings so true because of all those forgotten artists whose scream is as loud and authentic as hers.

Part One of this oral history is a downright revelation. It explores its sensitive, urgent themes with a sure, balanced hand, one that never feels heavy-handed thanks to the inclusion of every available point-of-view connected to the events lending their voice to the conversation. It builds up to and delivers a tragic, nuclear bomb of a historical moment in a way that makes it very clear who was to blame. That is to say, everyone... and no one. The oral history format brings a depth to this retelling of the tragedy - and the relationships between Opal, Nev and our Editor's father, session-drummer Jimmy Curtis III, as they recorded their first album together in the months before said tragic historical moment - that makes it feel like something that could happen today. That's because, of course, it can, and it does. By giving us differing points-of-view, Walton avoids excessive finger-pointing and painting characters as straight-up villains or heroes. She explores this tragic moment in a way that never lays the blame on any one person who was involved, and that makes for an exploration that's all the more honest and nuanced.

Throughout Part Two and Part Three, however, things take a dip in how effectively they're explored. This is mainly because of the loss of certain points-of-view, but also because we take a major step away from the oral history format, and our Editor becomes a much larger character and her intentions become at once less focused and therefore more sprawling. She focuses on Opal Jewel's story rather than sticking to that of Opal & Nev, and in the process loses an important, if not always trustworthy, angle. Then by the time we get to the events that unfold throughout Part Three, there's been such a loss of objectivity that moments that should hit home simply don't. (And I swear to God that it's not because, as both a long-time professional concert photographer and live music venue security personnel, I have... some issues.)

At the very end, these later parts of the book ultimately do end up working because of how they explore the relationship between these two women, and how well fleshed-out both of these two women and their relationship are, but they never quite manage to attack their themes as effectively as the first half does. This prevents the final moments from hitting as hard as they certainly could have.

All that being said, though, I dig the shit out of idea of who Opal Jewel is as an artist. She never feels like anything less than a complete force-of-nature, and that excites the shit out of me.

7/10

-Timothy Patrick Boyer.

[bargainsleuthbooks]

WWW Wednesday April 14

WWW Wednesday April 14

I’m working again today and hope to check in with all my blogging friends later if possible. Even when I was working 40 hours during the week around the holidays, I had Wednesdays off, so it feels a little weird to be working them. I’m happy for the extra hours, though, I will say that. It’s WWW Wednesday, where I answer three questions: What are you reading, what did you finish, and what do you…

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Tuesday, May 7

Riley: “Well, hey! Willow – and Xander, right? Jeez, what are the chances, huh? Yeah, I was just passing by when I thought I heard people inside.” Willow: “Passing by in your GI Joe outfit?” Buffy: “No offence, but you do look wicked conspicuous.” Riley: “I do? But it’s... – Paintball! Yeah, I was playing paintball. And then the aftershocks...” Xander: “So you’re one of the commando guys, huh?” Riley: Oh, no, no, no, no. Commando? No, I mean... (Notices Spike) Don’t I know you?” Spike: “Me? (Affecting a bad Texan accent) No. No, sir. I’m just an old pal of Xander’s here.” Riley: “Oh. That’s nice.”

~~Buffy Episode #67: "Doomed"~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Bright New World (Connor, G) by CoffeeHunt

If Only (Buffy/Spike, T) by Gabby

In Harmony (Buffy/Spike, M) by Desicat

He Brought Flowers (Buffy/Spike, T) by Lilacsandorangeblossoms

[Chaptered Fiction]

In the Company of Witches and Slayers Ch. 26/100 (Willow/Tara, E) by VladimirHarkonnen (TheLightdancer)

From Dancing to Dating Ch. 3/4 (Jenny/Giles, T) by Bobbie23

A Long Time Coming Ch. 11 (Xander/Dawn, E) by wnelson001

I hate the way Ch. 6 (Buffy/Giles, E) by DancingAngel0013

hit rewind Ch. 53 (Buffy/Spike, E) by untiljanuary

Angel Doesn’t Know Ch. 5 (Buffy/Spike, E) by My_Barbaric_Yawp

Lightning in a Bottle, Chapter 4 (Buffy/Spike, T) by violettathepiratequeen

Something Lingers, Chapter 9 (Buffy/Spike, E) by goodbyetoyou

Hand in Flightless Hand, Chapter 7 (Buffy/Spike, E) by tragic

A Ripple In Time, Chapter 22 (Buffy/Spike, E) by CheekyKitten

Maclay Down, Chapter 4 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Soulburnt

The Neighbor's Point of View, Chapter 102 (Buffy/Spike, G) by the_big_bad

Because the Night, Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, E) by CheekyKitten

Rise of the Wolf Queen, Chapter 1-2 (Buffy/Spike, E) by DaniellaWidget

Bathroom Wall, Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, E) by hulettwyo

The Kitten That Killed Slayers, Chapter 1-2 (Buffy/Spike, T) by Desicat

Early One Morning , Chapter 39 (Buffy/Spike, E) by all choseny

Coming Through, Chapter 62 (Buffy/Spike, E) by hulettwyo

Good Girl Gone Bad, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Maxine Eden

Dawn Rising Ch, 62 (Buffy, T, LotR xover) by Luna

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork:Riley and Spike by MadeInGold

Artwork:Spike & Dusk by isevery0nehereverystoned

Artwork:Buffy & Spike by https://www.tumblr.com/elysianfieldsarchive/749843730148868096?source=share

Artwork:it’s slay or be slayed out here by goldfish-inhaler

Video: Buffy + Spike - I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Buffy + Spike - I Believe in a Thing Called Love

Video: Faith Lehane x Good Luck, Babe by lesbianboyfriend

[Reviews & Recaps]

I’m So Evil, And Skanky, And I Think I’m Kinda Gay (Bad Girls) by herinsectreflection

PODCAST: HELLMOUTH HOMOS: Goodbye Iowa by Fear Queers

[Fandom Discussions]

Giles asks Buffy if she’s spoken to Dawn about the incident on Halloween by nicnacsnonsense

I think Willow’s suggestion to use a spell to erase Buffy’s memories of Heaven would have actually been a good idea, if she had just first asked Buffy if she wanted that. by nicnacsnonsense

Honestly, I feel so bad for Dawnie. by nicnacsnonsense

What the heck was Giles thinking during the summer between s5 & s6? by nicnacsnonsense

Wait, no, let’s go back to Anya’s Spiderman suggestion, I think she’s onto something with that. by nicnacsnonsense

I ultimately find Ben a very uninteresting character by nicnacsnonsense

On episode 6x3 by nicnacsnonsense

Another thing about watching how good Dawn is with Buffy by nicnacsnonsense

I forgot that Buffy blows Giles off about going over the bills together by nicnacsnonsense

You know, thinking about it, it’s kind of weird that Willow and Tara were the ones to move in by nicnacsnonsense

So what I’ve heard about the Trio by nicnacsnonsense

Buffy is working in the magic shop by nicnacsnonsense

One problem that s6 has by nicnacsnonsense

It’s a good thing the Halloween episode had Buffy foisting the parenting of Dawn off on Giles because otherwise ... by nicnacsnonsense

Something about how right after Buffy was resurrected Dawn & Spike were the only ones who knew how to treat her gently by nicnacsnonsense

Sweet deciding to waive the Queen clause by nicnacsnonsense

I for sure remember being so excited the first time I watch Once More, With Feeling by nicnacsnonsense

The ritual stops when Dawn’s blood stops flowing, right? by nicnacsnonsense

by nicnacsnonsense

by nicnacsnonsense

it always gets me by moistvonlipwig

arent angel and spike btvs canonically like. an 18th century irishman and a 19th century briton. by tauremornalome

Maybe not the worst plot point on Buffy the Vampire Slayer but one that has stuck with me by quasi-normalcy

Made a list of some various ways in which Kendra could have continued to appear in the show after Faith. by coraniaid

just watched AtS 3x01, "Heartthrob" by misskittyspuffy

riley is legit like "buffy isnt giving me enough love and attention bc shes too busy with her sickly mother" by leechjam

spike literally foreshadowing his future relationship with buffy in s5e10 by leechjam

I like how Spike is a source of strange comfort by breezybeej

had the thought "if the slayer lineage started in africa, how did the watchers council in england come to be in charge of everything" by leechjam

Looking for a spuffy fic! by oohlordhealthisbike

why the fuck arent they using Fire magic in fights against Vampires. by abadbadbrujah

One of the things I love about Buffy the Vampire Slayer by isagrimorie

so there’s a scene in Something Blue by tana-draws

wesley and willow were truly wonderful executions of teacher's pets. by justafriendofxanders

Top 5 bangel moments that make you scream cry and throw up. by sulietsexual

I still don’t understand how resurrecting Buffy made her Thee Slayer by theredpharaoah

Buffy and Riley Imploding?? by sftwolfstar

I love that Spike just doesn’t seem to give a shit about sunlight. by breezybeej

I really want to note how much early S3 establishes the issues that are going to drive Buffy’s long breakdown in seasons 6 and 7. by inconsistentlywrittensoul

Drusilla and Oz by thedeathscar

drawing/explanation of buffy and/or dawn summers scars/design? by pzyii

Maybe today I am thinking about Giles by hal-1500

I can’t believe there are humans walking this earth that watch seven seasons of Buffy being crushed under the weight of the literal world by raisedbythetv89

a helpful reminder for any Tara Maclay meta or fanfic by lightdancer1

I will also note re: Tara and her darker side by lightdancer1

That also said: by lightdancer1

I think I would have enjoyed watching the s5 Fred plotline swap Wes and Gunn’s places. by justafriendofxanders

by

Question about vampires! by Moptop

how they dressed by silvermoon72

Wishlist: Pairings on BTVS/AtS We Needed More Of? by Multiple Authors

What If: Wesley arrived earlier? by xxstaindrosesxx

What If: Angelus had bitten Jenny? by xxstaindrosesxx

What are some times Angel was nice to or helped Lorne? by The Whirlwind

Aside from Buffy Giles Riley and Wood, who dusted their first vampire? by Hepcat10

Holtz death scene by Frosty-Inevitable657

Buffy: "I had you to bring me back" by Moonycoves

Which Buffyverse characters fit this? by Monkeys_Racehorse

Buffy connection by Flimsy_Reveal4399

This gets me every time. by ahawk90347

Not a fan of the Slayer origin story by brwitch

What is the best one liner from the show? Go... by Prestigious_Donut905

I just finished watching the show for the first time. I'm so depressed by Ordinary-Gal

Sunnydale residents not acknowledging the supernatural actually fits in the Buffyverse by ginime_

What's going through Spikes mind in this scene? by sushibananawater

Better physicist: Winifred Burkle or Sheldon Cooper? by TeddyKGB1

What if Adam succeeded in changing Riley? by albus_thunderdore

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Join the editor team :)

[garudabluffs]

Dawnie Walton talks with NPR's Scott Simon about her debut novel, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, an oral history of a 20th century rock duo so detailed, you might forget it's fiction.

6-Minute Listen https://www.npr.org/2021/03/27/981875210/dawnie-waltons-opal-and-nev-are-so-compelling-you-might-forget-theyre-not-real

[harasnicole]

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton // a review.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton // a review.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is a brilliant debut that adds a bold new voice to the conversation regarding systemic racism not just in the 1970s, but today as well. The story starts with the origin of Opal Jewel from Detroit, and Neville Charles, an English singer from Birmingham and how they came together. When in Detroit one night, music producer Bob Hives is trying to find someone worthy…

[fangirlxwritesx67]

You're one of the blogs that I check out every notifications that pops up on the days when I'm on and off Tumblr throughout the day. And on the days I'm not I try to at least do a decent skim through when I return to see what I've missed, knowing I'll get plenty of Sam and Jared sunshine, Ruthie gorgeousness and of course, some of the best comfort fics around, or just drabbles that I know are gonna hit all my emotional feels 🌻🥰🌻

Awww, you have notifications on for me? You're the best! I'm glad you enjoy the things I post because I love your reblogs and reviews 🌻

[bigtickhk]

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton https://amzn.to/3mcHGUe

https://bookshop.org/a/17891/9781982140168

[pastexistence]

For the book asks - 12, 15, 18!

Thanks so much!

12. did you enjoy any compulsory high school readings?

Yes! I studied Macbeth for GCSE English and The Crucible for GCSE Drama and I really enjoyed them both. Macbeth still holds a special place in my heart, and I'd really recommend the new A24 adaptation, I loved it

15. recommend and review a book.

The book I'm gonna recommend (because I haven't seen anyone talking about it enough) is My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

Synopsis:

The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act...different. She's moody. She's irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she's nearby. Abby's investigation leads her to some startling discoveries--and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?

I loved this book SO MUCH. The two main characters both feel very real, and their relationship is so effective as the driving force of the book. It's surprisingly funny, but the contrast between the comedy and the serious plotline actually works really well and helps it to feel like a really authentic depiction of teenage girls. Like I said, the relationship between the two main characters is very much the strongest part of the book, but I honestly felt like there was never a dull moment in this book, and I'd absolutely recommend it to any horror fans looking for someone fun

18. do you like historical books? which time period?

Yes! I'm going to be studying history at university soon, so historical fiction is a big favourite of mine. I honestly don't really have a favourite period to read from, so here's a few historical books I've read recently with the period they're set in:

• The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton - 1970s

• Last Night at The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo - 1950s

• Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell - 1590s

• Ariadne by Jennifer Saint - Ancient Greece

Feel free to drop some more asks!