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The Good Side of Crazy
Shae Martin has been called up for duty, guardian duty. When her dad and stepmother are killed in a car accident, Shae is called up as guardian of her 15-year-old sister, Sadie. It wasn't that long ago that Shae, herself, was a teenager; but you'd think, based on her current relations with Sadie, that it had been a millennia. Shae struggles to balance being a "psuedo-mama" to a teenager, back to living in a small town, in her estranged father's home, with dating and career and her sanity. Sadie's assistant principal, Adam MacCallum, is entirely too delectable for Shae to pass up on, whether or not Sadie approves; and Sadie's bad-boy, Cash, is the thorn in Shae's side that just won't go away. So the question is, can these women navigate the many facets of love in their lives, and resolve to settle their futures without killing/maiming/deleting or becoming each other's worst enemies in the process?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
15 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Anna Chastain
5 books62 followersAnna Chastain is a born and raised California girl. She currently resides in central California with her husband and two daughters. She is addicted to books, music, pizza and donuts (and makes no apologies about it); She is the author of five books that revolve around kissing and laughing, and Locked Out is her newest release. On an average day, you'll catch her hanging with her kindergarteners singing songs about ABC's and pizza, a book not far out of reach.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 28, 2021
I can't believe this lovely book has such a nondescript cover.
Dear Anna,
I implore you to please re-release this charming, adorable book with a different cover. Thanks!
Your Goodreads friend,
Bibi
July 27, 2015
The Good Side of Crazy is a smart, witty read with LMAO moments. I give this book 4 muscle cars/stars.
Shae Martin has had to step up to guardian duty to her half sister Sadie. Although not by choice. Shae feels out of depth and everybody deals with grief differently. Shae is called into school as Sadie is in trouble. Shae meets the V.P Adam MacCallum. Shae bakes scones as an apology for Sadie. Shae and Adam get to know one another. The rapport between the two is amazing. During their relationship there are some really cheesy lines. I thought I might add a few :-)
if you were a chicken, you'd be impeccable.
This book is real and based on real life situations which makes the book exactly what it is suppose to be and that is fun read. This book is quite tame tow what I usually read but that doesn't change one thing for me at all. This book put smile on my face the whole time that I was reading it.
If you were a booger, I'd pick you first.
So the characters in the book were well developed and they had a lot of depth to them. I found Sadie to be a tad annoying but then again she is teenager so not a lot to expect. Plus for Sadie though was that she didn't want to date as she promised her Mum to find herself.
At times I loved Adam and other times I didn't but this was due to the fact that there were moments of weakness not that is a bad thing (it makes him more endearing then anything else) and that's what life is you can't be a tough alpha all the time. But then having a ex girlfriend like Barbie kind of doesn't help.
Shae has pushed people away all of her life ever since her Dad left for the other woman. She bottles up her emotions and has the best potty mouth ever ;-)
The one thing left by her father is the Mustang in the garage and where she can really think about things in the back seat of the car.
Hey is that a shovel in your back pocket? Cause I'm diggin your ass.
The side characters were great especially Shae's Mum (the pot smoking, openly sex talking chick) her stepdad Billy a big soft grizzly.
After all, baby, you turn my floppy disk into a hard drive
I would have loved to been able to give this book 5 stars but there too many small things that added up that I felt that I couldn't justify it. Bravo Ms. Chastain.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I also add this at the end as I feel that when it is added at the beginning some might think, ah nah, not really or I'm being biased which I'm not.
Shae Martin has had to step up to guardian duty to her half sister Sadie. Although not by choice. Shae feels out of depth and everybody deals with grief differently. Shae is called into school as Sadie is in trouble. Shae meets the V.P Adam MacCallum. Shae bakes scones as an apology for Sadie. Shae and Adam get to know one another. The rapport between the two is amazing. During their relationship there are some really cheesy lines. I thought I might add a few :-)
if you were a chicken, you'd be impeccable.
This book is real and based on real life situations which makes the book exactly what it is suppose to be and that is fun read. This book is quite tame tow what I usually read but that doesn't change one thing for me at all. This book put smile on my face the whole time that I was reading it.
If you were a booger, I'd pick you first.
So the characters in the book were well developed and they had a lot of depth to them. I found Sadie to be a tad annoying but then again she is teenager so not a lot to expect. Plus for Sadie though was that she didn't want to date as she promised her Mum to find herself.
At times I loved Adam and other times I didn't but this was due to the fact that there were moments of weakness not that is a bad thing (it makes him more endearing then anything else) and that's what life is you can't be a tough alpha all the time. But then having a ex girlfriend like Barbie kind of doesn't help.
Shae has pushed people away all of her life ever since her Dad left for the other woman. She bottles up her emotions and has the best potty mouth ever ;-)
The one thing left by her father is the Mustang in the garage and where she can really think about things in the back seat of the car.
Hey is that a shovel in your back pocket? Cause I'm diggin your ass.
The side characters were great especially Shae's Mum (the pot smoking, openly sex talking chick) her stepdad Billy a big soft grizzly.
After all, baby, you turn my floppy disk into a hard drive
I would have loved to been able to give this book 5 stars but there too many small things that added up that I felt that I couldn't justify it. Bravo Ms. Chastain.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I also add this at the end as I feel that when it is added at the beginning some might think, ah nah, not really or I'm being biased which I'm not.
August 17, 2015
Review by Lisa Kane
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book-the cover doesn't do it justice at all. This is one of those Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover moments.
Shae's whole world turned upside down when her father and his wife were killed in a car accident, leaving her half sister Sadie alone in the world. They were never close-Shae's father left her mother for Sadie's mom, and Shae could never let her resentment go. They had little contact. But Sadie is 15 and alone in the world and Shae puts her needs first. She quits her job, moves to be closer to Sadie and assumes responsibility for her. Sadie is quite the handful and is constantly in trouble. She and her boyfriend Cash seem to attract it.
Shae is called into the principal's office on more than one occasion. That's when she meets Adam who is the vice-principal. He's filling in for the principal out on sick leave. The attraction between them is evident, but learning what latest escapade your sister has gotten herself into this time, is hardly the time or place.
Adam looks for opportunities to put the two of them together and eventually wears Shae's misgivings away. Well, he at least convinces her to to out with him. This guy is sweet and funny and sexy to boot. But Shae is just finding her way with Sadie and Sadie is not pleased about these latest developments.
Will Adam think she's worth the effort or will he move on to a relationship that is a bit easier with less baggage?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book-the cover doesn't do it justice at all. This is one of those Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover moments.
Shae's whole world turned upside down when her father and his wife were killed in a car accident, leaving her half sister Sadie alone in the world. They were never close-Shae's father left her mother for Sadie's mom, and Shae could never let her resentment go. They had little contact. But Sadie is 15 and alone in the world and Shae puts her needs first. She quits her job, moves to be closer to Sadie and assumes responsibility for her. Sadie is quite the handful and is constantly in trouble. She and her boyfriend Cash seem to attract it.
Shae is called into the principal's office on more than one occasion. That's when she meets Adam who is the vice-principal. He's filling in for the principal out on sick leave. The attraction between them is evident, but learning what latest escapade your sister has gotten herself into this time, is hardly the time or place.
Adam looks for opportunities to put the two of them together and eventually wears Shae's misgivings away. Well, he at least convinces her to to out with him. This guy is sweet and funny and sexy to boot. But Shae is just finding her way with Sadie and Sadie is not pleased about these latest developments.
Will Adam think she's worth the effort or will he move on to a relationship that is a bit easier with less baggage?
March 13, 2014
I have now read both of Anna Chastain's books and I must say that I love both of them. The Good Side of Crazy is a story that has romance, parenthood, humor, and character depth. I might have to read it again in a few months. Thank you for laughs, smiles and engrossing me on a rainy weekend!
March 6, 2014
The author offered me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have to say, I loved this book, it was very refreshing. Shae's father and stepmother are killed in a car accident, and she's called to be her small sister's guardian. She leaves her work, her apartment and her city and comes to live in her father's house to take over the care of her 15 y/o sister. She's having a hard time, since her sister Sadie is acting up. Enter a visit to the school's vice-principal, where she's surprised with this young attractive guy. Furthermore, he seems to understand teenagers better than Shae does. Sadie is assigned to some car workshop as a community service, and who other than the vice-principal, Adam, is in charge of said workshop. There's also Cash, the boy with whom Sadie was caught kissing in school grounds. And the fun begins! I loved that Shae is a straight shooter. She's lost in her new parental role and doesn't hesistate to ask for advice, unlike other heroines who are stubbornly independent. This doesn't diminish the sense you get of her as a competent person, comfortable in her skin. Adam is yummy with just the right amount of badness to make him interesting. I totally loved the cheesy lines he kept feeding Shae when they were bantering, it was like some sort of joking foreplay. The book had romance but also family issues, since Shae was dealing with the loss of her father and the lost chance of fixing their relationship. It was engrossing, entertaining and sweet. Definitely recommend.
February 21, 2017
Oh my goodness, not sure where to begin with this absolute gem of a book! Shae must return to her hometown after her Dad and Stepmom die in an accident and Shae is named as the guardian of Sadie, her 15-year-old half-sister. At 28, but wonderfully immature, Shae feels like she should be able to easier relate and get through to Sadie, but is continuously met with challenges. When called to the school after Sadie gets in trouble – again – Shae meets the adorably sexy Adam McCallum, Sadie’s assistant principal, and sparks immediately fly between them. This story follows Shae and Sadie during the difficult first year after the accident and all of their ups and downs getting used to Shae being Sadie’s guardian.
Shae was the ultimate character in my eyes. She was a wonderful mix of brains, beauty and a quick, smart-ass wit. The author presents Shae in such a straightforward and honest way it’s almost impossible not to relate to her. I loved Sadie also, who was very similar to Shae but in a quieter, brooding teenager way. Their story brought back so many memories (several cringeworthy) of my own acting-out days in high school, but luckily, Sadie’s mischievous ways also reminded Shae that she too had been that age once and made plenty of poor decisions. When they were getting along it was great and hilarious at times, but even when they were at odds, there was still the lingering emotion and love between them. There are a few times in the novel when Shae is very upset and/or worried concerning Sadie and Shae literally just loses it. On one hand, it’s almost uncomfortable but the way the author portrayed Shae’s raw emotion was truly spectacular. Some may find her reactions a bit over the top or inappropriate as far as her prominent use of 4 letter words, but I could easily see myself reacting in a similar manner and empathized with the situation(s). Adam was smart, funny and adorable the entire novel, luckily very good with teenagers and very reassuring when Shae was overwhelmed. He had a very casual ability to emphasize the positive things when Shae, Sadie, or really anyone was focusing too much on the negative things. His cheesy pick-up lines were fantastic and I loved how sweet and romantic he was. I definitely have a crush on Adam, in case you can’t tell.
I not only loved the characters in this novel, but just the overall plot and action of the story. This is a very possible and believable situation and the author did a perfect job of focusing on the challenges, victories and just the laugh out loud funny moments. Especially a moment with Shae’s Mom eating grated cheese
Shae was the ultimate character in my eyes. She was a wonderful mix of brains, beauty and a quick, smart-ass wit. The author presents Shae in such a straightforward and honest way it’s almost impossible not to relate to her. I loved Sadie also, who was very similar to Shae but in a quieter, brooding teenager way. Their story brought back so many memories (several cringeworthy) of my own acting-out days in high school, but luckily, Sadie’s mischievous ways also reminded Shae that she too had been that age once and made plenty of poor decisions. When they were getting along it was great and hilarious at times, but even when they were at odds, there was still the lingering emotion and love between them. There are a few times in the novel when Shae is very upset and/or worried concerning Sadie and Shae literally just loses it. On one hand, it’s almost uncomfortable but the way the author portrayed Shae’s raw emotion was truly spectacular. Some may find her reactions a bit over the top or inappropriate as far as her prominent use of 4 letter words, but I could easily see myself reacting in a similar manner and empathized with the situation(s). Adam was smart, funny and adorable the entire novel, luckily very good with teenagers and very reassuring when Shae was overwhelmed. He had a very casual ability to emphasize the positive things when Shae, Sadie, or really anyone was focusing too much on the negative things. His cheesy pick-up lines were fantastic and I loved how sweet and romantic he was. I definitely have a crush on Adam, in case you can’t tell.
I not only loved the characters in this novel, but just the overall plot and action of the story. This is a very possible and believable situation and the author did a perfect job of focusing on the challenges, victories and just the laugh out loud funny moments. Especially a moment with Shae’s Mom eating grated cheese
July 24, 2019
4+ stars rounded up because books with strong yet relatable women make me happy.
This was a very enjoyable read. Fairly low angst given the set-up, although I did get weepy at one point. This is Shae's story and is told entirely from her POV. She is 28 and was living in San Francisco with a good job and a boyfriend of sorts when her father and his wife die in an accident. They have named Shae as the guardian for her 15 year old step sister, Sadie. The book starts some months after this with Shae having given up all of her life to move to the small town where her father lived. Sadie has gotten in trouble for making out with a boy (Cash) on school property. This is not the first time Shae has been called to the school but the first time she has had to deal with the vice principle, Adam.
The attraction between Shae and Adam is pretty instant but in general the relationships moves at a slow to moderate pace. They share a love of classic American cars. It takes a longAdam is excellent with Sadie although she really does not want her sister dating her vice principle. I was worried when I read the blurb that this would be some drama filled event but it really was not. Sadie's reactions seemed pretty normal for a teenager. Shae does not pussy foot around anything so when she decides that there is something real between her and Adam she simply decides it is happenning. I loved how strong and confident she was without it every being unreasonable so. That does not mean she was without self doubt.
This was a very enjoyable read. Fairly low angst given the set-up, although I did get weepy at one point. This is Shae's story and is told entirely from her POV. She is 28 and was living in San Francisco with a good job and a boyfriend of sorts when her father and his wife die in an accident. They have named Shae as the guardian for her 15 year old step sister, Sadie. The book starts some months after this with Shae having given up all of her life to move to the small town where her father lived. Sadie has gotten in trouble for making out with a boy (Cash) on school property. This is not the first time Shae has been called to the school but the first time she has had to deal with the vice principle, Adam.
The attraction between Shae and Adam is pretty instant but in general the relationships moves at a slow to moderate pace. They share a love of classic American cars. It takes a longAdam is excellent with Sadie although she really does not want her sister dating her vice principle. I was worried when I read the blurb that this would be some drama filled event but it really was not. Sadie's reactions seemed pretty normal for a teenager. Shae does not pussy foot around anything so when she decides that there is something real between her and Adam she simply decides it is happenning. I loved how strong and confident she was without it every being unreasonable so. That does not mean she was without self doubt.
April 17, 2014
I received “The Good Side of Crazy” as a free ARC from the author Anna Chastain, in return for my honest review.
Laugh worthy, all the while pulling at your heartstrings. Shae Martin was living the life, until she had to leave it all behind for her fifteen year old half-sister Sadie. You see, their father and Sadies mother were killed in a car accident, leaving Shae as the legal guardian. Only Shae has no clue why. Dealing with an angry, grieving teenager isn’t the way Shae expected to spend her twenties. Especially making numerous amounts of trips to the Principals office for smoking in the bathroom, or dressing inappropriately, but going in for this latest infraction of making out under the bleachers with a boy isn’t just the icing on the cake. Walking into the office expecting to speak with the principal only to end up in the office of the smokin’ hot Vice Prinicipals office.
Adam the smokin’ hot V.P. has the most amazing pickup lines, so cheesy you will find yourself laughing out loud. Every time he and Shae are around one another they seem to get even cheesier.
You are praying the whole time that there is a happily ever after for these characters.
When I read the last words of this book, I sighed. It was a perfect book for me! It will be one that I read again.
Laugh worthy, all the while pulling at your heartstrings. Shae Martin was living the life, until she had to leave it all behind for her fifteen year old half-sister Sadie. You see, their father and Sadies mother were killed in a car accident, leaving Shae as the legal guardian. Only Shae has no clue why. Dealing with an angry, grieving teenager isn’t the way Shae expected to spend her twenties. Especially making numerous amounts of trips to the Principals office for smoking in the bathroom, or dressing inappropriately, but going in for this latest infraction of making out under the bleachers with a boy isn’t just the icing on the cake. Walking into the office expecting to speak with the principal only to end up in the office of the smokin’ hot Vice Prinicipals office.
Adam the smokin’ hot V.P. has the most amazing pickup lines, so cheesy you will find yourself laughing out loud. Every time he and Shae are around one another they seem to get even cheesier.
You are praying the whole time that there is a happily ever after for these characters.
When I read the last words of this book, I sighed. It was a perfect book for me! It will be one that I read again.
April 22, 2014
Shae had a great job, great friends and lived it up in the big city until she's suddenly named guardian of her 15 year old half sister, Sadie. Shae and Sadie's Dad and Sadie's Mom were killed in a tragic car accident and Shae was listed as guardian. The novel begins with Shae being called to the principal's office yet again to discuss Sadie and the issues she is having at school. Much to Shae's surprise, they meet with Adam, the very cute vice principal who she is very attracted too.
Sadie is having a tough time dealing with the loss of her parents, and Shae is having a tough time trying to be a "pseudo" parent to a 15 year old, plus dealing with the guilt she feels over the loss of her father as they had been estranged for many years. Plus, let's not forget, the really hot vice principal!
This is the second novel I've read by Anna Chastain and I enjoyed it even more than the first! She does a great job of taking very serious situations and showing how life can continue with grace, romance and humor. It's easy to fall in love with the main characters. I would recommend this to anyone who loves great romance or contemporary novels.
Disclaimer - I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sadie is having a tough time dealing with the loss of her parents, and Shae is having a tough time trying to be a "pseudo" parent to a 15 year old, plus dealing with the guilt she feels over the loss of her father as they had been estranged for many years. Plus, let's not forget, the really hot vice principal!
This is the second novel I've read by Anna Chastain and I enjoyed it even more than the first! She does a great job of taking very serious situations and showing how life can continue with grace, romance and humor. It's easy to fall in love with the main characters. I would recommend this to anyone who loves great romance or contemporary novels.
Disclaimer - I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2015
Very comical and easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed the cheesy pick-up lines throughout the book. Adam just was so adorable when he did that. It was a heartwarming story about two sisters making it in the world together and you had no choice but to feel for them...it was just that well-written.
The blossoming romance between Adam and Shae was beautiful, reminding me of how a real-life relationship would really work. It wasn't just a made up story with a quick falling in love, it developed slowly and naturally:)
The blossoming romance between Adam and Shae was beautiful, reminding me of how a real-life relationship would really work. It wasn't just a made up story with a quick falling in love, it developed slowly and naturally:)
July 13, 2016
Great read
I really enjoyed reading this book. I became attached to the characters and was sad when the book ended; I could easily have kept on reading to see how things progress in each characters life. Loved this book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I became attached to the characters and was sad when the book ended; I could easily have kept on reading to see how things progress in each characters life. Loved this book!
October 15, 2014
Okay, I am going to rate my own book because I love it. I had fun with these characters and I was sad when their story was finished.
November 8, 2018
Loved it
Loved the characters and the storyline. I look forward to reading more by this author. Definitely will recommend this book.
Loved the characters and the storyline. I look forward to reading more by this author. Definitely will recommend this book.
December 22, 2018
Good story.
Good set of friends/family.
No cheating.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
Small Ex drama on both sides.
HEA.
Good set of friends/family.
No cheating.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
Small Ex drama on both sides.
HEA.
June 22, 2025
Another winner from this author!
Anna Chastain does relationships so well, not just romantic but family and friends. How Shae learns to navigate guardianship and her own grief alone with budding relationship, she’s got a lot going on! It’s all well done with humor and love. This is a sweet, closed door romance.
Anna Chastain does relationships so well, not just romantic but family and friends. How Shae learns to navigate guardianship and her own grief alone with budding relationship, she’s got a lot going on! It’s all well done with humor and love. This is a sweet, closed door romance.
July 28, 2021
This was so, so good. I'm so glad I took a chance after seeing a random review. Loved it!
Read
December 1, 2021Dnf
April 8, 2014
Thanks for sending this book and first of all I must tell I love the name 'Shae'. I really enjoyed the book. I also love Shae and Adams special favor 'old cars.' It's not a usual thing we can find in other books.
Anna, you truly have a way with words, even cursing phrases.
But I should tell you, this isn't perfect. You still have a long way to go. Sometimes I couldn't catch what you're trying to portrait. I honestly hate parts with sex scenes. I don't like to read it with all the details. Because it doesn't show the feelings, it looks like reporting.
Final decision, IT'S GOOD.
Congratulations and good luck!
Anna, you truly have a way with words, even cursing phrases.
But I should tell you, this isn't perfect. You still have a long way to go. Sometimes I couldn't catch what you're trying to portrait. I honestly hate parts with sex scenes. I don't like to read it with all the details. Because it doesn't show the feelings, it looks like reporting.
Final decision, IT'S GOOD.
Congratulations and good luck!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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