Excruciating Bliss

Not long ago there was prosperity. Every worker had a job and those whose fortunes weren't on the rise held out hope that their day would soon come when they too joined the burgeoning league of millionaires that seemed to be produced overnight. This era is ending just as James is struggling to finish college. His dream of making a stylish, sophisticated life in the city isn't going as planned. Debt is beginning to mount as he longs for hedonistic fun. It isn't until James accidentally befriends a mysterious young woman who shares many of his tastes and aspirations does he begin to believe that things are turning around for him. She is Loren Anders, an heir to a global finance empire and aspiring fashion model. She is buoyant and fun, something James has longed to be. But as the Great Recession approaches, Loren's realm of opulence and glamour begins to unravel. James is forced to find fulfillment by putting aside the illusions that promised happiness.