Excruciating Bliss — Jon Davis

The era of optimism and widespread prosperity that defined the United States since the end of World War II is grinding to a halt just as James is struggling to finish college. His dream of making a stylish life in the city isn't going as planned. Debt is beginning to mount as he longs for fun and escape. It isn't until he befriends a mysterious young woman who shares many of his tastes does he begin to believe things are turning around. 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. Quickly he is enveloped in to her chic world of travel and excess. But as the Great Recession approaches, Loren's realm of opulence begins to unravel. James is forced to recognize the true importance of the things he covets and discovers a path to fulfillment by putting aside the illusions that promised happiness.