Book Review of 'Chasing Kensie' by Drew Taylor

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome to first official week of January 2026! I enjoyed the relaxing few weeks with Christmas and ringing in the New Year and got some much needed family time but now it's back to the grind. Does anyone else get the January blues or is it just me? What better way to get myself out of the after-holiday season funk than to read a good book like the one I am featuring today.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Contemporary Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Chasing Kensie by Drew Taylor, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Chasing Kensie 
Author: Drew Taylor 
Publisher: Taylor Made Publishing 
Release Date: December 23, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She moved to Alaska for a fresh start. He made her the object of his wry affection. 

Kensington Smith, a high school English teacher fueled by coffee and plaid, looks for the good in people. The hot-but-vexing P.E. teacher and football coach, who is unfortunately her best friend’s older brother, is the exception. When he’s tapped to assist her with the annual Winter Solstice Dance, he rewrites Kensie’s long-held lesson plans of loathing as he reveals the man behind the flirtatious façade. 

Nicolas Lancaster has a little thing for the pretentious, people-pleasing English teacher of Crescent Cove High School… a thing where he revels in riling her up. But as his proclivities shift and he chases the heart of the woman he’s taught to despise him, Nick begins to understand the pain behind the practiced smile she dons—a mirror that reflects his own inner demons. 

Two hearts. Two histories. 

One source of Hope.  

Chasing Kensie is a Christian contemporary romance sparkling with Alaskan winters, unknown feelings, and a love that will light up the darkest of nights.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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My Review

Chasing Kensie is an enemies-to-lovers chock-full of quick wit and banter that covers underlying issues with both our main characters, Nick and Kensie. The snarkiness is strong with these two, and I was living for it! Coming from a heavier read, this was initially a breath of fresh air. I really liked the setting, as I always seem to enjoy stories that are set in Alaska. It is one of my dream destinations to visit, which is most likely why I love stories set here.

The childish back and forth that the two leads have in the beginning, with the name-calling and sharp tongues, was what drew me in, but when the story began to delve deeper into the why of it all, the story took an unexpected turn. I didn’t find the more serious side of the story as entertaining, and the abuse that was mentioned was all too familiar to me and slightly triggering. The ending was pretty intense but led to a satisfying conclusion, and for that, I was grateful.

It was hard not to fall for Nick. He is a real one through and through, even if he does initially come across as childish and petty. Kensie took a lot longer to grow on me, and it took the entire novel for me to figure out why. I do wish there would’ve been a different conflict chosen and that the story could’ve stayed more lighthearted. There are some touching moments, and the slow-burn romance and character growth were great to see. It’s always nice to see what happens when you allow faith and trust to guide you.

My Rating: ★★★★

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Also Available

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About the Author

Drew Taylor writes modern closed-door chick-lit romance stories from a Biblical worldview. She believes faith-based romance can be full of heart, humor, healing, and hope while showcasing the reality of our fallen human condition. Her redemptive and engaging stories point to the One who embodies true love–Jesus Christ.

Drew lives in the great state of Mississippi where she teaches high school English. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys reading, baking, researching conspiracy theories, and spending quality time with the people who mean the most to her.

Connect with Drew by visiting drewtaylorwrites.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed paperback copies of Chasing Kensie and Reverie with book swag plus a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Coffee Gift Card of winner’s choice!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies
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Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. 

All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.