The Biggest Scoop

by Gillian St. Kevern

Dear Author,
There’s a new boy in school, and he’s doing really well, academically and popularity-wise. He’s just been elected class president! Now all the girls want to go out with him even more, only a public coming out will save him, or will it? Now there are all these guys coming out of the woodwork, (even a teacher aide? who knows!) and he can’t catch a study break. All anyone seems to want to know is, who will get to plant the kiss that sticks?

Photo Description:
Two young men recline arm in arm against a striped cushion. They are wearing blue-striped shirts and black trousers. The boy on the left, the taller of the pair, is giving his companion a look of extreme dubiousness. The boy on the right’s smirk is pure mischief. Their shirts are somewhat rumpled. Hijinks have either ensued, are ensuing or are about to ensue.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

Genres: Young Adult, M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, High School, LGBT, Humor

196 pages, ebook

First published September 16, 2015

Reviews

[wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember that person you were crushing on so hard who was not only cute but intelligent as well?

I'm totally stereotyping with this guy here (because for all I know, he's just a hipster trying to look intelligent), but just providing you a "visual" in case your imagination is failing.

Anyway, yeah, this person who -- okay he's good looking for starters but as you get to know him better -- you end up falling harder more so because of his wit or depth or personality.

Or how the hardcore porn-level moments with all the tongue and aggression and the 'holy shit, is that even physically possible?' are your standard definition of hot but from time to time, you crave for something like this...

You know, the tender moments coated with sweetness and innocence which push the right buttons for you as much as the hardcore ones?

Got a good visual of what I'm saying? Yes? Good! Because this book was certainly all these things to me. And boy was I totally taken by surprise. I wanted to read something with zero to low angst. A book which will not make me think too much. I thought, "Yeah. A high-school themed book dealing with the usual high school drama of cliques, social rankings, and survival of the fittest? I can do cliché."

But nooooo! While the book had an almost non-existent angsty feel to it (just the typical teenage drama I mentioned), this was such an original. The characters were intelligent and clever, in a pop culture kind of sense. The points being driven by many of the characters were funny but on-point, sound, and well-written. These characters did not come off as pretentious; just a hundred percent real.

Fit these characters in with a good coming-of-age plot plus a tender slow burning relationship between the main characters and you've got a great story going on.

The word for the vibe that I got from this book is an air of 'nonchalance' that makes this a breath of fresh air to me.

This is the second book that I read of St. Kevern's and I find myself looking forward to what she has in store for all of us in the future. Highly recommended author and book.

[Chesca (thecrownedpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 20-22, 2018 Reread:

This is still one of the most fun books I've ever read.

I'd like to add to my previous review that Taylor and Milo's relationship was definitely well done. It was complicated due to their differences and misunderstandings, but it was so romantic that they kept finding ways to listen to each other and eventually fall in love.

I still highly recommend it!

----

THIS BOOK IS SO ADORABLE!!

Milo Markopoulos is a member of Bernhardt’s newspaper club. He is very dedicated and passionate to his writing even though some people in their school hated him for it. A new student, Taylor, arrives, piquing Milo’s interest. He started writing articles about him, including one that got Taylor nominated to be the new class president of the juniors.

Gillian St. Kevern’s The Biggest Scoop didn’t focus entirely on Taylor and Milo, but on the effects of freedom of expression, particularly journalism, with or without considering the results of the news on the people being talked about in the said articles. It also tackles a lot of issues students encounter like: bullying, giving up on ones interests, finding out who your real friends are, and making mistakes that you could apologize for or stand up for. This book depicts high school in its most honest form. Because of the wide coverage on certain problems, there’s always that excitement for me on what will happen next between Milo and Taylor. I always love a good slow-burning romance.

Milo is a very honest character. I love how he first started talking to Taylor. It was hilarious, but I know a lot of people in reality wouldn’t want someone like him who interrogates too much. He is so cute. I love his sense of humor and his puns.

The supporting characters are very well-written into the story too. There were a lot of them but they all had a role in Milo’s and Taylor’s progress as individuals. They each have an experience to share. Some stories that have too many active minor characters are overwhelming and confusing to follow, but the author of this novel handled hers really well. Milo’s mom is the best among all of them. I love her! She’s so nice, supportive, and spunky. I also like Fern, especially how her character developed in the background, and all those little revelations on what she was going through.

I honestly didn’t see the plot twist coming. It was a surprise but I’m actually not sure if I am entirely pleased with it. The good thing about it is that it broadened the plot. It reminded me of another book’s plot twist which is almost the same with this one, but the difference is that The Biggest Scoop’s was more carefully approached. It had supporting realistic elements that could make it more believable, which this other novel I was comparing it to lack.

Another thing that I am not sure if I really liked was the too many pop culture references. It was okay and nice that the author considered inserting them into the writing maybe so that the target audience of this book could relate to it because they know well what the topic at hand was.

I really enjoyed this light read. It was great following the students and the clues that led to the truth about all that was happening. I recommend this to readers who want a sweet contemporary read that is not too flirtatious. If you want something to cheer you up, grab a copy of The Biggest Scoop, a product of the Goodreads M/ M Romance Group’s Love is an Open Road event.

[Meep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie

The story follows the prompt - it's all teenage dramas and machinations; popularity matters, there's bursts of song, competition, misunderstandings, bullying and a formal at the end. It really shouldn't have been as engaging as it was!

While some of the side-characters were a little interchangeable and I stumbled over the names, Milo was an endearing quirky individual that won me over with his incessant chatter, Taylor a decent boy trying to figure him out. Milo's mum was a bit of a show-stealer too, not sure if the school principle was in fear or nursing a crush.

The scoop was easily predictable but I don't think it was intended to surprise.
For all the light humour there were moments of sharp pain and sweet smiles. By the end friendships were forged, haters were challenged and some people proved to be better than expected.

It's sweet innocent and I loved it, started it after a night-shift and didn't look up until I'd finished it -Yes Ms St. Kevern you own full blame for me being a tired grump with a messy house today- it gets that 5th star for managing to charm me despite my ambivalence to high-school stories. It's smoothly written, never feeling forced.

Also deserves kudos for including people from different backgrounds yet never mentioning skin colour. And for not including homophobia.

[Bree Cheese · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Funny, awkward and adorable - everything a good YA should be. I loved Milo so much, I just want to *face plant* right here in solidarity.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biggest scoop - firstly can I say how much I LOVE the cover. It really, really appeals to me and I would absolutely have chosen this book for the cover design alone, so kudos. As it was, cute cover or not, I am so glad I read this story. It was hilarious. I adored Milo, every over the top, foot in mouth bit of him. I loved him because he wasn't afraid to be himself. I loved him because he made mistakes. I loved him because he admitted when he was in the wrong. I loved his humour, his style, his kindness, his honesty, his....his everything. He was the story. Everything else slotted into place around him and it worked really well. Growing up is hard, but Milo does it in style. He is a force to be reckoned with and I am super glad I got to meet him. I also loved Taylor - and really the whole cast of characters. This book was a pleasure to read and I'll be watching for this author in the future.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for the cute story, and that is mostly because YA isn't my favorite genre, but all the stars for Milo. Quirky, adorable Milo who made me laugh, and got me a little choked up.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
It's funny + clever + sweet … yet another too good to be free DRitC story (although I'm not complaining!) I adored Milo. He was smart + snarky -- someone you just want to stand up for and give a big hug to. His mom was also awesome.

This was a pretty long story and may have had a little too much going on in it, but I loved it nonetheless.

Cute prompt … and the cover is absolutely perfect for Milo!

[Elsa Bravante]

DNF en el 15 %. No puedo decir si es bueno o malo porque no le he dado la oportunidad, por lo que no le voy a poner rating. Lo abandono porque me estaba aburriendo, demasiado High School.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I'm not much of a YA fan, but from time to time, I do read them. And I was lucky enough to beta read this for Gillian, who put up with me being me, and not only was working with her awesome, but the story was so much fun.

So I got to read a super duper story and make a new friend! Yay!

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was cute. There were a few times I was confused while reading but overall I think I got it. So yeah, cute.

Thanks to all the Group members who provided awesome prompts with lovely pictures, the authors for writing free stories based on those prompts for all of us to read for free and the M/M Romance Group for all their hard work in putting this years Don’t Read in the Closet event, Love is an Open Road, together.

[Katrina♡•• · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually really fun. Its a quick read and I did enjoy it. I only wished it was a bit longer, more complex and unpredictable. Oh and like why isn't there a second book????!!! I need more!

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~]

DNF @ 15%

Exaggerated high school scenarios and a snoopy, mildly annoying MC. Not for me at this time. The writing was good though.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much! When I started this book I wasn't sure if I was in the mood to read a YA. But once I read the first page I was not able to put it down! Like seriously, I stayed up all night until I finished it.

It's got everything you want in a YA story set in high school: it's funny, awkward, adorable. Plus there is a Greek mom that steals the show, when she is on the scene. So I am glad that bit was not overdone.

Loved it and will re-read it. Both Milo and Taylor are adorbs. If you liked this may I also suggest One Man Guy? You won't regret it.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story. I loved the characters and the storyline fit the prompt nicely.

I love YA but at times this bordered on too YA (is there such a thing as too YA?) even for me. There was a lot of high school drama. I mention this because it's a long story. If YA is not your thing, this one may give you fits.

A huge thank you to the author for this wonderful story and to all of the LOR volunteers!

[YullSanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Милая история, но местами раздражает. В одну минуту герой такая лапочка, оригинальный, веселит, в следующую- бесит! Потом сюжет делает то же самое. И не бросить читать, ведь "ну вот же! Вот! Сейчас все будет хорошо", но нет((( опять начинается какая-нибудь фигня. До конца дочитала, конечно, но рекомендации дам сомнительные...

[Gillian Kevern]

My second story for the 2015 DRitC event, The Biggest Scoop was written for Josephine's prompt. A huge thank you to the mods and volunteers of the M/M Romance Group for their hard work making this story possible, and Bree for making it look so good.

[iam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to say that my first YA read of the year is a huge success!

Content warnings include: bullying, homophobic slurs, mild violence

I can't remember when or why I picked up The Biggest Scoop (it was probably cheap and popped up when I was in a mood to read YA) but I stumbled upon it on my kindle while looking for books to read that I already own - either way, I'm very glad past-me decided to buy it because this was amazing!!!

I was a bit confused about the setting at first. The Biggest Scoop takes place at a private high school for smart kids and focuses on the junior class, specifically Milo, one of the two members of the newspaper club. It's immediately obvious that something has happened previous to the book's start, something relating to Milo, the newspaper, and two expelled class mates, which made the rest of the Juniors not happy with Milo. Milo is okay with that - he has friendly acquaintances and the newspaper, and is writing in his free time too.
Enter Taylor, a new student at the school who starts the school year a bit belatedly. Milo is not just attracted to Taylor, he's also sure Taylor will provide the exact kind of fodder to make the newspaper interesting again - whether Taylor wants that or not.

I mentioned being a bit confused at first- this is because Milo isn't the most reliable narrator. What he says doesn't always line up with what happens, like when he describes the cliques/social hierarchy at his school. Sure, there's the jerk jocks and cheerleaders, the dramatic drama kids and loner goths, but their interplay and relationships with each other are a lot more complex than that. While the book definitely draws on stereotypes for these roles it also brings in fresh takes and delivers a big, likeable cast that I really enjoyed reading about.
It wasn't always easy to keep track of who was who, as there are not always describtions, but I got used to it quickly.

As the reader, I was able to see a few plot points and one in particular coming from miles away long before Milo realizes what's going on, but that too was delivered in a believeable way that if anything endeared me to Milo even more.

The way the author handles the information the reader and Milo is given - which isn't always the same! - is done extremely well! It created suspense and interest, leaving me itching to read more and I ended up reading the book in one single sitting way past my bedtime because I just couldn't put it down!

The book is also funny, both bringing in new angles and old but good jokes or schticks from common high school comedies.
The bullying was not too intense and was handled very well, and I liked the way the teachers and school administration handled things and how they were portrayed in general.

[Pixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’d at 26%. I tried but junior politics at a private high school just don’t interest me.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable. I read the original free version. I do like queer YA a lot and this was a fun, easy read. I thought it was too long and went on a bit at times, but it wasn't a hardship at all to follow along with Milo's entertaining adventures. It was great to read about a queer kid in high school who's been solidly queer and out for a long time and is happy and comfortable with who he is. Self discovery and coming out stories are important and enjoyable to read, but it's also important and enjoyable to read about kids who have already gone through that and are just living their life being queer and comfortable. There's a lot of teenage drama in this story, but it's also quite amusing and Milo is an entertaining narrator. I enjoyed this and will read more by this author.

[Bárbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It had a lot of interesting elements, it covered a lot of interesting topics, which maybe in the scenario of a school they may have appeared a bit shallow, but that I think should matter to society as a whole.

The characters were all enjoyable, their dynamics very interesting... It was really great. True, there was a little too much drama going on at some point, but it's understandable, since high school is where the most drama happens in life.
All the same, this story contained a lot of elements I just can't help but be a sucker for. That alone earned it about two stars. The rest, it stood on its own.

As a future journalist, this story was particularly interesting to me, too, for reasons that become obvious once you see what the story is really about. There's more to it than it appears at first glance, and I found that really interesting.
It was also a very easy reading: I read it in one sitting, only a pause to eat.
The plot twist was well-handled, and it really added to the story's main issue. I really liked how it was connected.
I'll definitely keep an eye on this author. It was a pleasant surprise.

[MsMiz (Tina)]

This was fantastic fun!!!!

[Ptdog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun romantic mystery, of sorts. Very entertaining read!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book with a likeable and pitiable main character. Milo is driven. He is smart and funny. His journalistic instincts make him well known and respected by some, but keep getting in his way. He gets ostracized.

Then, he meets Taylor and is smitten. Taylor seems smitten. But huge secrets rear up and things fall apart.

The plot sort of goes wonky a bit here. It goes from teens being cliqueish tropes to devious set ups, massive bullying that gets downplayed by adults, to
undercover teen stars. It’s full of improbable situations straight out of the WB/CW. Milo is a reporter right? I mean, Lois figured Clark out, right? Seems unlikely he would not figure out this plot.

And Taylor is not really that nice.

It was fun and interesting.

[Mike Oaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read

Adorable characters and secrets revealed. Enough mystery to keep the pages turning. Score one for the non-jocks. 3.5 for red carpets.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great. I loved Milo.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored the characters and Milo was a very fun and entertaining narrator. However there was a bit too much drama for me, and the miscommunication and confusion for both characters and the reader spoiled my enjoyment.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really YA. Like way too juvenile for my liking and not enough romance.

[Josephine (biblioseph) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I call bull."

"Logan," Mr. Perry said mildly. "This is English class. If you call bull, you have to provide at least three citations--"

Actually, this isn't a review. Not really. Because this is the story that Gillian wrote for me for the M/M Romance Group's 2015 Don't Read in the Closet event. So, spoilers, I really like it.

Taylor is the new kid and Milo is going to write the biggest scoop on him. Hijinks ensue. Sorry, that's all you're getting. It's free! Go read it! (While this story is appropriate for readers of all ages, other things at this link may not be safe for work or underage readers.)

I really like sweet romance stories. I don't think you have to get naked to get a story taut with tension, and while I left room in my request for a college age romance (and thus old enough) Gillian went the way I was hoping, with a high school romance. There was a hint of mystery I wasn't expecting, and just a glimmer of dangerous intrigue. A few readers (as you'll see in the reviews) were not happy with the amount of High School politics and just how young the main characters were, but I quite enjoyed it.

Gillian as well is a native of New Zealand. There is one word that should have been caught by an American, but the only other contention I have with the story is purely from living so close to the town she has set her story in. Tarrytown! Haha, oh man, I just loved that. More stories should be set in the Hudson Valley.

The dialogue is snappy, the characters crackle, especially with one another, the teachers and adults are fully-realized! Almost everyone is more than they seem and the end is a satisfying happy end for our heroes and heroines. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a lightly sweet story to make you smile and laugh a lot.

196pp. MMRomanceGroup.com. 17 Sept. 2015.

Read more of my reviews at www.auroralector.com

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was the best book I have read from the Love is an Open Road event. I highly recommend it.

It is in a high school setting in a 'gifted' high school for nerds (who are apparently 19, it is mentioned at one point? but ignore that). They're all kinda outcasts, but they have developed their own social hierarchy. With a lot of homosexuality. The school sometimes feels a bit smaller than it should be and the repeated failures of communication and loudly forecasted twists were a bit annoying. But the characters were likeable and had good chemistry, making a sweet picture together and it was a good romance.

[Jennifer Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5/5
This was a nice book. It wasn't great, some parts were a bit cliche, which isn't a flaw if you like cliche as some do, and then the story seemed to drag a bit too much, going through the same type of angst and situations over and over. What saved this book for me was the fact that I thought I had it figured out and then, enter a plot twist, and turns out it's more interesting than I was expecting, which saved it from the 3 stars. It's still worth the read if you've got time and not much else on your to read list, the relationships are cute and if you like high school drama you're gonna love this one. (And also, it's free!)