Crushed

In 1993, in the pristine coastal community of Malibu, CA., fourteen year-old Neely Evans, is coming of age, like it or not. A Tennessee transplant, she ends up in California when her father takes a job at a top law firm.What a culture shock it has been for the southern teen, but as an only child, she has always made her own entertainment. She fills her time painting seascapes, still life art, and combing the beach for her next perfect picture. And then one day, the boy down the beach...
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In 1993, in the pristine coastal community of Malibu, CA., fourteen year-old Neely Evans, is coming of age, like it or not. A Tennessee transplant, she ends up in California when her father takes a job at a top law firm.What a culture shock it has been for the southern teen, but as an only child, she has always made her own entertainment. She fills her time painting seascapes, still life art, and combing the beach for her next perfect picture. And then one day, the boy down the beach enters her life, and she will never be the same.Seth Drake, a year older than Neely takes her under his wing. They hang out and it isn't long before they become inseparable. As they grow closer, their friendship gives way to something more. But before the teens can fully revel in their budding romance, Neely's life is ripped apart. Her father's infidelity is made public, and her mother is determined to seek vengeance by using Neely as her weapon. She uproots Neely and moves back to Tennessee.Seven months later, Neely returns to Malibu for a summer visit with her father. Seth has matured in ways she never imagined. Neely finds herself at odds with her emotions and better judgment when Seth makes it clear he is ready to take their relationship to the next level. In the end, Neely makes a decision she may live to regret.