Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
Series: Rebel Belle #1
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: March 3rd 2015
Source: Gifted

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

Brittany was lovely enough to send me a signed copy of Rebel Belle when Rachel Hawkins did a signing near her, and we decided to buddy read it since we hadn't done one of them in a while. I failed at the buddy read and finished two days later than Brittany due to my iZombie obsession (I freaking LOVE that show!). Anyways, Rebel Belle follows Harper Price. Harper is a perfectionist and has been looking forward to being crowned Homecoming Queen. But after she finds herself in the middle of a fight in the school bathroom, she becomes a Paladin - an ancient guardian with awesome fighting skills. And, on top of being an ancient guardian, it turns out her task is to protect David Stark - Harper's least favourite person ever.

Rebel Belle was a really funny, light and enjoyable read. I really liked Harper. Even though she could be very over the top sometimes when it came to being perfect, she was an extremely likeable character. She doesn't really want to accept her role as a Paladin to begin with - but who would? - and she struggles with the fact that if she does, she'll basically have to give up her life and her plans to protect David. She's also struggling with people comparing her to her sister, and she's desperate to do something that will make people see her as herself.

I really love the story-line in Rebel Belle. I loved getting to see Harper train to become a Paladin. She could be so fierce when she wanted to be! I also actually just loved getting a glimpse into Cotillion and all that kind of stuff. I never really understood Cotillion, but I did love reading about it and seeing how much it meant to Harper. Getting into the whole Paladin/Oracle story was extremely interesting. Hearing from David's aunt about how it all came about and why male oracles are hunted was intriguing and I loved seeing them uncovering more about themselves.

Romance-wise, Harper's boyfriend Ryan has to be one of the most patient guys ever. Harper was constantly disappearing and lying to him, and at one point, she actually attacked him (not entirely her fault). But if I'd been him, I'd have given up on Harper loooong before he did. However, I did really love her relationship with David. It was obvious the had chemistry, but they were so focused on hating each other and then sorting out the Paladin/Oracle thing that it took a while for them, but I did really love them together.

The ending was slightly predictable, but also extremely intriguing as it left off in a situation that is probably going to be super awkward! I really need to get my hands on Miss Mayhem!