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Thizz #2
Illusion of Ecstasy
When Dani discovered the cash hidden in her attic, she had no idea the problems it would bring. With the help of the Marino’s, Dani is able to launder her father’s dirty money, but their help comes with a price. Her relationship with Matt.
Not wanting to hurt Dani’s future or freedom, Matt removes himself from the equation to keep everyone safe. But when it’s time to go home, he has to decide which is more important – watching his little sister grow up or returning to the girl of his dreams.
Nick is determined to make good on all the bad he’s caused, and has finally accepted his role as a Marino. Fate doesn’t make it easy for him. Especially, when he returns from Europe to find Dani is falling apart. With Matt out of the picture, Nick contemplates a future with the only girl he’s ever loved.
In the conclusion to Thizz, A Love Story, follow Dani, Matt, and Nick on a soul-searching journey into adulthood. The Illusion of Ecstasy explores the emotional tribulations they encounter without the help of thizz. How to deal with real emotion becomes the biggest obstacle of all on their road to maturity.
Not wanting to hurt Dani’s future or freedom, Matt removes himself from the equation to keep everyone safe. But when it’s time to go home, he has to decide which is more important – watching his little sister grow up or returning to the girl of his dreams.
Nick is determined to make good on all the bad he’s caused, and has finally accepted his role as a Marino. Fate doesn’t make it easy for him. Especially, when he returns from Europe to find Dani is falling apart. With Matt out of the picture, Nick contemplates a future with the only girl he’s ever loved.
In the conclusion to Thizz, A Love Story, follow Dani, Matt, and Nick on a soul-searching journey into adulthood. The Illusion of Ecstasy explores the emotional tribulations they encounter without the help of thizz. How to deal with real emotion becomes the biggest obstacle of all on their road to maturity.
279 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
About the author
Nicole Loufas
12 books239 followersNicole was born and raised in California. She claims to be a San Francisco native, however she's lived in both Northern and Southern California. She credits her creativity to the fact that she attended 12 schools between kindergarten and her senior year in high school. Her nomadic childhood allowed her to reinvent herself often. Some might call her a liar. While others see the stories she told as a coping mechanism. Today she channels her storytelling ability into writing novels.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2016
Great follow up to Thizz. I really enjoyed the character development and LOVED the ending! This author has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended!
Must read Thizz, A Love Story first. This is not a standalone.
Must read Thizz, A Love Story first. This is not a standalone.
February 19, 2018
If you thought Thizz was good, wait until you read Illusions!
This story gives you all the angst and excitement you loved in Thizz and then some. The book is faster paced and I liked that it didn't drag out. And the ending was SOOO satisfying. :)
This is a wonderful conclusion to Thizz!
This story gives you all the angst and excitement you loved in Thizz and then some. The book is faster paced and I liked that it didn't drag out. And the ending was SOOO satisfying. :)
This is a wonderful conclusion to Thizz!
December 1, 2016
What a great ending!
I just finished reading and I think fans of Thizz will be very satisfied with the continuation of the story. You can really see the growth in the writing and the characters. Just perfection!
#TeamMatt
I just finished reading and I think fans of Thizz will be very satisfied with the continuation of the story. You can really see the growth in the writing and the characters. Just perfection!
#TeamMatt
December 7, 2016
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book and read it early.
I've been dying to leave this review!
Yes, this book is about Dani and Matt and Nick but, (Oh Nick) I loved all his chapters and his story! I would love a Nick book!!
This review does contain spoilers.
The story picks up right where Thizz leaves off - she finds the money in the attic. Now she needs a way to use it without the IRS finding out. I really enjoyed the drama that this creates. Mainly because she has to turn to Nick for help. This causes a riff in her new relationship with Matt.
After Matt leaves to join his family in Colorado, Nick focuses on school, and Dani is left to flounder around San Francisco partying it up with her college friends. Throughout the book we are left to wonder who will come to her rescue, and when he does, will she let him help? The anticipation of what will happen next was written painstakingly perfect! You get just enough in just the right places. Which leads you to an ending that had me literally on the edge of my bed!
Dani's struggle with addiction comes full circle in this story. If you are familiar with addiction or know someone that thinks they are a "casual" user, this will really touch home. This is one of those stories where hindsight is 20/20. After reading the end, you can think back to the aha! moments in the story and think. Oh yeah, why didn't i see that? Well, that's how tricky addiction is. A lot of people are great at hiding it. Dani is one of them.
Matt makes a choice to be with his family in Colorado (also leaving keeps Dani safe from the IRS). Everyone that loves Matt, knows he's sort of a dumbass. When he tries to come back, he thinks Dani will jump into his arms and of course he's wrong. His relationship with Ashley is so beautiful. He gives up the girl of his dreams for his sister, so you can't really hate him!
Nick's journey is what made this book for me. His evolution from selfish high school punk to saving the world was a wonderful thing to read. It is written very believable.
I won't spoil the end but whether you love Matt or Nick - you will be happy with the ending.
I've been dying to leave this review!
Yes, this book is about Dani and Matt and Nick but, (Oh Nick) I loved all his chapters and his story! I would love a Nick book!!
This review does contain spoilers.
The story picks up right where Thizz leaves off - she finds the money in the attic. Now she needs a way to use it without the IRS finding out. I really enjoyed the drama that this creates. Mainly because she has to turn to Nick for help. This causes a riff in her new relationship with Matt.
After Matt leaves to join his family in Colorado, Nick focuses on school, and Dani is left to flounder around San Francisco partying it up with her college friends. Throughout the book we are left to wonder who will come to her rescue, and when he does, will she let him help? The anticipation of what will happen next was written painstakingly perfect! You get just enough in just the right places. Which leads you to an ending that had me literally on the edge of my bed!
Dani's struggle with addiction comes full circle in this story. If you are familiar with addiction or know someone that thinks they are a "casual" user, this will really touch home. This is one of those stories where hindsight is 20/20. After reading the end, you can think back to the aha! moments in the story and think. Oh yeah, why didn't i see that? Well, that's how tricky addiction is. A lot of people are great at hiding it. Dani is one of them.
Matt makes a choice to be with his family in Colorado (also leaving keeps Dani safe from the IRS). Everyone that loves Matt, knows he's sort of a dumbass. When he tries to come back, he thinks Dani will jump into his arms and of course he's wrong. His relationship with Ashley is so beautiful. He gives up the girl of his dreams for his sister, so you can't really hate him!
Nick's journey is what made this book for me. His evolution from selfish high school punk to saving the world was a wonderful thing to read. It is written very believable.
I won't spoil the end but whether you love Matt or Nick - you will be happy with the ending.
December 1, 2016
This follow-up to Thizz takes you through Dani, Matt, and Nick's journey into adulthood.
The book moves from the end of Thizz and advances some years into the future.
The story touches deeper on the effects the drug thizz (ecstasy) has on Dani as she enters college and struggles to find her place in the world after learning her father wasn't the man she thought he was. Meanwhile, Matt is trying to cope after his family moves out of state and he's left behind.
And Nick. Oh Nick. I have to admit I'm team Nick all the way. I really just wrote this review so I could say that I love Nick's personal journey. Yes, Nick fans, we get more of him in this book!
The book moves from the end of Thizz and advances some years into the future.
The story touches deeper on the effects the drug thizz (ecstasy) has on Dani as she enters college and struggles to find her place in the world after learning her father wasn't the man she thought he was. Meanwhile, Matt is trying to cope after his family moves out of state and he's left behind.
And Nick. Oh Nick. I have to admit I'm team Nick all the way. I really just wrote this review so I could say that I love Nick's personal journey. Yes, Nick fans, we get more of him in this book!
February 4, 2017
This is the second time I have read this book. I absolutely love the story line and I love Dani! This book is relatable to the real life of illusions and expectations we create. I don't like to give reviews with spoilers, just read this! I do hope the author will give us more on Heather and Rob one day, I feel like there is more to read about with them.
December 1, 2016
Totally biased review.
I didn't think I could write a second book a out Dani, Matt, and Nick. I was happy to let the rest of their story remain untold or in the imagination of the reader. Today, I am so glad I didn't. Their journey needed to be shared.
I didn't think I could write a second book a out Dani, Matt, and Nick. I was happy to let the rest of their story remain untold or in the imagination of the reader. Today, I am so glad I didn't. Their journey needed to be shared.
December 1, 2016
This is a great read and a very touching coming of age story. I really enjoyed both books in the series.
May 30, 2017
I gave this book five stars.I was drawn right into the relationships between Dani,Matt and Nick.They were almost too close.It was like life.In life sometimes people are introduced or want more from you at the wrong time and then when you meet them later on the timing is right.Or vice versa.I understand perfectly how that feels and felt right at home with the strangeness of their relationships.Poor Dani most of all.She loves them both and knows in her heart that Nick is not for her but Matt is and doesn't ever want to hurt Nick.Them being best friends both hurt and helped the situation.Hard to hear things were said that wouldn't have been said if that were not the case.
The fact that drugs were a big factor in all of their lives was hard.All three were connected in the use of them and I liked how it all ended up.It was a long, hard road to come to that conclusion but one that must've been necessary.
The fact that drugs were a big factor in all of their lives was hard.All three were connected in the use of them and I liked how it all ended up.It was a long, hard road to come to that conclusion but one that must've been necessary.
November 9, 2018
Perfect 2nd book!
Oh my word! This book was everything I hoped for and I loved it!
I read Thizz (book one) years ago and didn’t even realise book 2 has been released so when I stumbled upon it last week I jumped straight in. I had missed Dani, Matt and Nick so much. I’m not going to lie at times I wanted to scream at Dani and Matt and Nick during this book but I’d quickly realise they were all so young still and had so much growing up to do.
I liked that this series has felt so realistic and it’s been so honest and enlightening. You can actually understand and relate to the characters on some level. The reader can see how these teens can get themselves into these crazy situations and then you can see them grow and mature into fully functioning adults. This series has a powerful message that shouldn’t be taken lightly and is eye opening.
I can’t recommend the series highly enough, if you want to read something raw and real then grab these books now.
Oh my word! This book was everything I hoped for and I loved it!
I read Thizz (book one) years ago and didn’t even realise book 2 has been released so when I stumbled upon it last week I jumped straight in. I had missed Dani, Matt and Nick so much. I’m not going to lie at times I wanted to scream at Dani and Matt and Nick during this book but I’d quickly realise they were all so young still and had so much growing up to do.
I liked that this series has felt so realistic and it’s been so honest and enlightening. You can actually understand and relate to the characters on some level. The reader can see how these teens can get themselves into these crazy situations and then you can see them grow and mature into fully functioning adults. This series has a powerful message that shouldn’t be taken lightly and is eye opening.
I can’t recommend the series highly enough, if you want to read something raw and real then grab these books now.
April 3, 2018
This book!
This is the 2nd book and the conclusion to Dani and Matt and nicks love cycle! Omg this book had my emotions! What Dani went through loving both boys I literally couldn’t put this book down. The trio grew up went to college but who does Dani pick at the end her first love or best friend.
This is the 2nd book and the conclusion to Dani and Matt and nicks love cycle! Omg this book had my emotions! What Dani went through loving both boys I literally couldn’t put this book down. The trio grew up went to college but who does Dani pick at the end her first love or best friend.
December 8, 2016
Loved it
I loved both books in this series so much. I didn't like the last paragraph though. They were already clean. Just doing one more in reality can start a whole new episode of doing this drug.
I loved both books in this series so much. I didn't like the last paragraph though. They were already clean. Just doing one more in reality can start a whole new episode of doing this drug.
June 13, 2017
Great progression and ending to this series. Highly recommend this new author.
November 12, 2017
Goes right with my other review. Great story you have to read all to fully understand and see the growth of the people. Well written great pace and lots of romance and drama.
July 8, 2018
Amazing
I started this book less then 24hours ago and I just finished it I couldn't get enough after reading thizz
I started this book less then 24hours ago and I just finished it I couldn't get enough after reading thizz
September 21, 2017
Couldn't Put It Down!
Illusion of Ecstasy was the send "dose" in the Thizz Series, after Thizz, A Love Story and it didn't disappoint! I literally read this cover to cover in one night (I didn't get any sleep, but it's a small price to pay).
The book picks off right where Thizz left off and continues on with the Dani, Matt & Nick triangle-thing. You see Dani take a downward spiral into more addiction but on the flip side, Nick grows into a hard working man and you see him shed his boyish ways and really come into his own. This book, like the first, was raw. It showed the darker side of drug use and alcohol addiction as well as how people can spiral quickly when they are not taught how to manage or deal with their emotions.
The book bounces between the three POVs and really gives you some insight into the minds of the guys. It is an angsty ride of love, loss, betrayal, substance abuse, growing up, hitting bottom and all of life's messy madness in between.
This book, I was definitely #teamnick - however, the twists and turns of the characters end the book exactly where they are meant to be. The conclusion is amazing. Anyone who likes the angst of Colleen Hoover will love Nicole Loufas's writing and how the reader feels all of the feels. It is a stripped down look into the mind of an addict but also how, with the right support, people can overcome anything.
Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a love story that is not typical. This series will gut you but will also make you believe in love. As Ashley says "Best Book Boyfriend Ever!"
Illusion of Ecstasy was the send "dose" in the Thizz Series, after Thizz, A Love Story and it didn't disappoint! I literally read this cover to cover in one night (I didn't get any sleep, but it's a small price to pay).
The book picks off right where Thizz left off and continues on with the Dani, Matt & Nick triangle-thing. You see Dani take a downward spiral into more addiction but on the flip side, Nick grows into a hard working man and you see him shed his boyish ways and really come into his own. This book, like the first, was raw. It showed the darker side of drug use and alcohol addiction as well as how people can spiral quickly when they are not taught how to manage or deal with their emotions.
The book bounces between the three POVs and really gives you some insight into the minds of the guys. It is an angsty ride of love, loss, betrayal, substance abuse, growing up, hitting bottom and all of life's messy madness in between.
This book, I was definitely #teamnick - however, the twists and turns of the characters end the book exactly where they are meant to be. The conclusion is amazing. Anyone who likes the angst of Colleen Hoover will love Nicole Loufas's writing and how the reader feels all of the feels. It is a stripped down look into the mind of an addict but also how, with the right support, people can overcome anything.
Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a love story that is not typical. This series will gut you but will also make you believe in love. As Ashley says "Best Book Boyfriend Ever!"
January 1, 2017
The story picks up right where Thizz leaves off! The Author did an excellent job on showing how the relationships between all of the characters developed, and the thoughts and feelings behind everything they do. I really liked book 1 and was excited to read about Nick! I'll stop before I give spoilers. Grab this book and book 1.
May 1, 2017
The only thing stopping me from giving this book 5 stars was the very last paragraph! I was pretty disappointed in that...but the rest of the book was fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews