Review: Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Rebel Belle
By Rachel Hawkins
Expected Release Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Source: Publisher
Review by: Jenn
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound

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 the ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting.

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.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, no-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Rebel Belle was a great book to get lost in. There was action, funny moments, the main character was totally endearing and it has a nerdy love interest. What more could you want?

I totally enjoyed getting into Harper's head. She has such a funny and sarcastic sense humor even when her life was getting stranger by the minute. I'm able to relate to her in her perfectionism ways and so it was interesting when she tries to just let things go and control only what she can. David, the person Harper is supposed to protect, had me sighing and giggling. He's so nerdy and so unaware of his appeal that it makes him that much more attractive.

Teaming up together, Harper's and David's new found alliance turns a few head in their small town. However, they soon realize that they're way in over their head and are surprised by who, in the words of Harper, "their mentor-person" is. From there on, the book follows them trying to navigate their new powers.

I do have to admit, that although I've been waiting to read this book ever since it was announced back in 2012, there was something that completely stopped me from loving this book. And even months later after I originally read the book, I still can't quite pinpoint what exactly it is. That is not to say that I didn't like the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Rebel Belle and I laugh out loud at so many scenes, especially scenes with Harper's internal monologues. Rachel Hawkins just have a way with her characters that makes them come across as genuine and approachable. 

I can't wait to see what is going to happen with Harper and David in the next book and hopefully, we'll get some answers after that abrupt ending. Rachel Hawkins, please don't make me wait too long for the next book, please!