IT'S NOT ABOUT THE ACCENTSporting a new name and an exotic new Latina flair, she’s ready for her college debut. But is the luscious Carolina really better than plain-Jane Caroline?Sick and tired of her life in small town Ohio—completely boring with a side of dull—college-bound Caroline Darcy is determined to start fresh . . . as a new person. And that means following in the footsteps of her late Nana Ellie—her witty and vibrant Cuban great-grandmother with the glamorous, well-traveled past. Donning a seriously caliente new wardrobe and a vivacious personality to match, she becomes Carolina, a half-Cuban aspiring actress, ready for adventure.Once at school, everything goes according to plan. Putting her primo acting skills to use, she flirts up Erik, a smooth-talking frat guy with gorgeous baby blues who can’t get enough of her “exotic†charm. The only guy who doesn’t seem impressed by her Latina façade is Peter, a quiet, sweet Cuban guy from Miami. But when “Carolina†gets in over her head and finds herself in a dangerous situation, it’s Peter who comes to her rescue—and leads her on a real adventure to discover the truth about Nana Ellie and her family. It turns out that being boring old Caroline is way more exciting than she ever could have imagined….And yes, it's available for PRESALE! ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE:As a talented singer-guitarist with a dream of going pro, Alegria Montero is getting fed up with the endless, boring parade of Quinces and other family party gigs. She's longing for something bigger. And Oye Mi Canto a new reality TV show thats searching for the next Latin superstar is definitely that. Ali figures shell never make the cut, but auditioning seems like a good way to get her overprotective father to take her ambitions seriously. To Ali's complete shock, she passes her audition. Next thing she knows, she's dealing with wardrobe fittings, cameras, reporters, vocal coaches, and websites designed by lovestruck fanboys. She's also dealing with jealousy, malice, and sabotage among the contestants, all of which has her wondering: Is it really time to shoot for the stars and try to win the whole competition, or is it time to say "Cut!" and become a normal teenager again?
"This brilliant debut resonates with the sparkling rhythm of Ali's talent. Her path to independence via reality show madness makes us cheer for her every step of the way . . . because all a girl really needs is love, laughter, and a rocking guitar."-- Alesia Holliday, author of American IdleHave you wondered about a soundtrack for ADIÓS? If you'd like a mix of all the songs referenced, hop over to iTunes . There you'll find my very own Adiós Mix along with a couple of bonus charts that I imagine as belonging to certain characters or scenes.Read an excerpt HEREDidja like it? If you did, Order Adiós to My Old Life HERE!And if you'd like to encourage young musicians like Ali and ensure that music remains a vital part of education, please consider supporting VH1's Save the Music Foundation .The little book that could just keeps going on.ADIÓS TO MY OLD LIFE HAS WON THE RITA!!Best Contemporary Single Title