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Santini Series Collection

(Santini #1-3)

Leslie Pike (Goodreads Author)

4.31 · Rating details · 42 ratings · 26 reviews

What do a veterinarian, an attorney, and a Las Vegas backup dancer all have in common? Destiny is about to rock their lives.

In this three-book collection, the gorgeous Italian brothers will meet their matches, catapulting them into whirlwind romances that change everything.

Destiny Laughs
Nash Santini thinks his life is all set according to plan, never taking chances or ri ...more

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302 pages

Published July 11th 2019

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Jul 11, 2019 Books Laid Bare rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars
I read this as a series, back to back to get full effect and I will say that I am glad I did, I think I would have found waiting in between releases almost impossible.
The author is new to me, so I was relieved found her style was one that I took to straight way, there was a relaxed ease about the dialogue, the characters were so easy to engage with, they were funnier than I had initially anticipated but that tempered with a sizzle that just fluttered its way across the pages was enough 4.5 Stars
I read this as a series, back to back to get full effect and I will say that I am glad I did, I think I would have found waiting in between releases almost impossible.
The author is new to me, so I was relieved found her style was one that I took to straight way, there was a relaxed ease about the dialogue, the characters were so easy to engage with, they were funnier than I had initially anticipated but that tempered with a sizzle that just fluttered its way across the pages was enough to have me rooted to the spot.
For the sake of this review I will do a snapshot of what I thought on each book but overall, I would say that I thoroughly enjoyed the series, it was wonderfully written and had just the right mix of characterisation to make the stories enthralling

Destiny Laughs – Book One
There wasn’t much not to love about Nash, This widowed sexy single father was definitely the type of man that any woman would have no problem paying attention too, and he certainly had no issue attracting admirers but his son Noah came first in his busy life and he wasn’t looking for anything or anyone long term in his life, he has enough to deal with being a parent and running a busy Veterinary practice but his life was thrown a curve ball when he encountered a distraught woman at the surgery. Because something about her had him more than a little intrigued.
Farrah wasn’t looking for complications, nope she was looking forward to a fresh start – somewhere away from St Helena a town that she has felt hemmed in by for the last 6 years. She sacrificed her career when her folks started to experience ill health and she has returned home to look after them and she has done so with absolute diligence but now they have both passed away she is ready to pack and sell up. Now, it is time for her, and she is more than ready to kick start the next phase of her life but when an unexpected incident puts her in the crosshairs of the town’s vet – she may have to rethink her plans because leaving town and leaving Nash behind might juts not be an option…you will need to read it for yourself to find out what happens but be prepared to both laugh and cry, because their story is fabulous.

Destiny Plays – Book Two

My favourite of the three books – Christos and Kate gave me everything.
Their meeting was less than auspicious, but it didn’t matter because what was to follow was just the start of so much more! Their chemistry was off the scale and no matter how much it might have appeared that they were fighting against the inevitable, the author was super creative with the angst that surrounded the pair of them, Kate had issues that threatened to derail her happiness, or at least that is what I felt – after all who wouldn’t be a very happy camper with a guy like Christos hot on your tail!
Could this sexy couple find a way to happiness, or would they let something magical slip through their fingers…I hoped not!

Destiny Shines – Book Three
I think I might have said this earlier but darn it woman how on earth do you keep pulling these guys out of thin air – I was bowled over by Nash, blown away by Christos and now…. OMG it’s Nikos, the guy has his own gravitational pull, he is awesome.
I love a bad boy, so, you totally had me with that side of his personality – but when it started to become clear that he was so much more than a one trick pony, I swooned!
I could absolutely get on board with the fact that he knew that wherever he was, totally owned a room and everything in it and when it comes to Jenny… she was most definitely in his room!!
But they were poles apart in almost everything but so in tune where it mattered, but would Nikos change his life to be with her? Would she see that the connection between them was meant to be?
There were questions and twists that were unexpected but this pair had a fire that burnt between them that could have literally set my kindle alight.
...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Susan rated it it was amazing

I’ve read the first two in this box set, and Destiny Shines is on my TBR. Here are my reviews for Destiny Laughs and Destiny Plays:

Destiny Laughs:
As far as novellas go, I'm not a big fan. If it's intended to catch us up on characters from a previous book, I enjoy them, but to introduce us to new characters? Nah, I'd much prefer a full novel. Destiny Laughs, though? It far surpasses my expectations!

It takes us on a journey of Nash and Farrah, as well as Nash's 9 year old son, Max, and their coup I’ve read the first two in this box set, and Destiny Shines is on my TBR. Here are my reviews for Destiny Laughs and Destiny Plays:

Destiny Laughs:
As far as novellas go, I'm not a big fan. If it's intended to catch us up on characters from a previous book, I enjoy them, but to introduce us to new characters? Nah, I'd much prefer a full novel. Destiny Laughs, though? It far surpasses my expectations!

It takes us on a journey of Nash and Farrah, as well as Nash's 9 year old son, Max, and their coupling, which happens to coincide with Farrah moving away to Seattle. Experiencing their brief- yet intense- relationship was exhilarating. Despite the quickness that things progressed, I didn't feel gypped; I felt completely satisfied. I even cried!

As a part of the St. Helena Vineyard Kindle World, you do not need to have read anything previously. But I have to say, I so wish that Santini's Deli was real- the description was so real that I really felt like I was in an Italian Market (and as an Italian, my mouth was watering and I will have to visit my Italian market tomorrow)!

Destiny Plays:
I fell in love with the Santinis in Destiny Laughs, a novella that was a part of the St. Helena Kindle Worlds series, and was quite anxious to get more of the loud and vibrant Greek/Italian family. As an Italian myself, I could so identify with this family! And getting to know Cristos and the other siblings a little more in this novella proved how lovable this family is.

Cristos is a hard-working, yet somewhat unfulfilled lawyer who encounters Kate on the side of the road while he was on his way to spend time with his family on Halloween. Kate, a woman in her early 40s who is confident in her acting abilities (as she has spent the majority of her adult life playing roles in Shakespearian plays), is a little unsettled herself, as she is getting older and no longer of the age to play many of the acting roles that she has in the past. Sparks fly when these two meet, and destiny certainly plays them!

I loved revisiting St. Helena, California in this story. I loved revisiting this family as well, while watching them begin to fall in love. While at first I didn't connect with Cristos and Kate- Kate a little more so, it didn't take long for me to love her, and these two together.

I hope there is more for this nosy family- I'm thinking we may have encountered the next female lead toward the end (at least I hope so; I want to see her settled and happy)! ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Kari Hansen rated it it was amazing

Destiny Laughs – Although the last years caring for her parents haven’t been easy, Farrah doesn’t regret a minute of it and now it is time for her to pursue her dreams and that means leaving town. Nash and his son have recently moved to town and he is the new vet. Fate brings them together but will three matchmakers in the form of two dogs and child convince them their future is with each other?

Destiny Plays – Christos is a sweet and sexy lawyer who comes across a woman dressed as a witch and co ...more

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Jul 14, 2019 Liz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved the Santini's

Destiny Laughs
Loved reading this! For a novella, it sure packed quite the punch! Emotional, angsty and sweet.

Farrah's life took an unexpected turn when her parents needed her to care for them. She has lived the last six years helping them. Now she is ready to start putting her life back on track and have a fresh start. She assumes this fresh start will happen outside of St. Helena's. Ready to sell her parent's home and move forward, she begins making plans. Then a twist o ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Fee96 rated it it was amazing

This box set is everything I adore about Leslie Pike's work. They're impeccably written, funny, witty and sexy. Destiny Laughs was my very first read of Leslie's and I instantly fell in love. Read about the Santini brothers and you will too!

My review of Destiny Laughs -

Nash & Farrah's love story is everything! This is such a great read that I didn't want it to end. Leslie Pike has created fantastic, relatable characters who meet and fall in love in a beautiful wine country town here in my neck o ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Breen rated it it was amazing

“The Santini series was a mix of playfulness, romance, passion and devotion. Every single character was so distinctive, perfect and unique. Leslie writing abilities amazed me.

[DESTINY LAUGHS]

What a lovely novel. It’s a short story packed with all the feels. The storyline completely trapped me, what a marvelous plot. Love on its maximum expression.

Having spent the last 6 years of her life taking care of her ill parents haven’t exactly gave Farrah the - living your life to the best- story. Now ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Tamara rated it it was amazing

I've read all three books in this series, and I loved them! The Santini family is fun, loving, and loyal. You can't help but fall in love with all the colorful characters. Here's my reviews for each story in this set:

Destiny Laughs - A great start to the series. It may be short but a lot of story is packed into the pages. Very emotional and relatable tale and characters. Farrah played the dutiful daughter and returned home when first her mother, then her father, got ill. She paused her life for I've read all three books in this series, and I loved them! The Santini family is fun, loving, and loyal. You can't help but fall in love with all the colorful characters. Here's my reviews for each story in this set:

Destiny Laughs - A great start to the series. It may be short but a lot of story is packed into the pages. Very emotional and relatable tale and characters. Farrah played the dutiful daughter and returned home when first her mother, then her father, got ill. She paused her life for the last 6 years and is determined to join the living again. Nash and his son returned to their hometown for the support of family following his wife's death. Neither of them are expecting the connection that they make and the feelings that develop between them. Fun and sweet, it a very enjoyable read with a heartwarming ending. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the Santini family!

Destiny Plays - Second story in the series but can be read as a standalone. I'm seriously loving this series and the Santini family! This book focuses on the older brother in Christos. He's a serious lawyer that has focused his life so far on work but has found it lacking. When he rescues a damsel in distress he finds not only his bad mood, but his life taking an unexpected turn. Kate is an older Shakespearean actress at the top of her career, but like Christos, finds something is missing. The connection between these two is palpable as they find that maybe they have been looking for love in all the wrong places. It's cute and funny with the addition of a Halloween party and a stray cat as well as both their families and steamy and emotional as these two find love and their HEA.

Destiny Shines - What a wild ride Nikos' story was! But what else do you expect from the youngest Santini and resident bad boy. When he's made appearances in the previous novellas he's always been such a colorful character with a vibrant personality and this story definitely does him justice. When his father gets injured, Nikos has to put a hold on his wild and free life as a dancer in Las Vegas and return home to assist. He gets an unexpected surprise when he meets his father's physical therapist Jenny. Jenny has found her calling in St. Helena and sticks to her professionality and takes her responsibilities seriously, but can't help but fall a little bit in love with the Santini family, especially Nikos. The sparks fly and the attraction is instant between Jenny and Nikos and they just can't stay away from each other. With Nikos leaving soon, they come to an agreement, but things don't go as planned. Yet love always finds a way and even the most resistant can't escape it's clutches. This was a sweet romance full of humor, angst, and lots of emotion with an epilogue that will tie the entire series together and bring it to a highly satisfying conclusion. ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Letty (Cover to Cover Book Blog Reviewer) rated it it was amazing

Destiny Laughs 5*
First of all, this novella was too short. I wanted more. I fell in love with the characters and wanted more of their story!
Farrah is alone, her parents are dead and she doesn’t feel like anything is left for her in St. Helena. When she decides to put her house for sale and move, she meets Dr. Nash, a vet, in unfortunate circumstances. But they develop a friendship that seems to be moving into more and their wonderful story begins. Add a very smart 9 year old with a playful dog, Destiny Laughs 5*
First of all, this novella was too short. I wanted more. I fell in love with the characters and wanted more of their story!
Farrah is alone, her parents are dead and she doesn’t feel like anything is left for her in St. Helena. When she decides to put her house for sale and move, she meets Dr. Nash, a vet, in unfortunate circumstances. But they develop a friendship that seems to be moving into more and their wonderful story begins. Add a very smart 9 year old with a playful dog, and you have yourself a sweet story that will melt your heart.
Although this was a novella, the relationship developed nicely. It didn’t seem unrealistic at all. Farrah and Nash just had to happen. They were perfect for each other although Nash always made sure that his son, Max, always was his priority. He didn’t want to have a revolving door of relationships and so he never brought them around his son, but with Farrah, all bets were off and he knew he had to have her in their lives.
The secondary characters also added some spice to the story and some left me so intrigued that I can’t wait to see if they get their own book.
Destiny Plays 4*
Another hot Santini brother to make you swoon. This is the second book in the Santini series and it takes us back to St. Helena. We revisit characters from the previous book that made us laugh and remember what family is all about.
Christos is a mature man of 40 who knows what he wants and fights to get it, but as always there is something in the way. In this case, it was Kate's career and he couldn't fight against that.
There were so many hilarious moments, like their first encounter and the darn cat. I could clearly picture the scenario in my head as I read and I was laughing like a loon.
I fell in love with Christos. His thoughts and actions were always on point. Kate, I was rooting for her and Christos, but my connection to her wasn't as strong. I'm not sure why.
All in all, the laughter and love make this story worth reading.
Destiny Shines 4.5*
We met Nikos in books 1 and 2 of the Santini series. Since then, I wanted to know more about this sexy, dancing bad boy. He is every bit as naughty as I thought he would be, but he showed a different side as well. Even his brothers were surprised!
When he meets Jenny, the physical therapist has him questioning what he thought he wanted. The attraction is strong on both sides and although Jenny says she wants to keep things professional, she doesn’t stand a chance against the determined Nikos.
Their witty banter was refreshing and their sexy phone calls were HOT! Leslie once again gives us a great story, a group of wonderful characters, and writing that flows so well, the time you spend reading just flies by.
...more

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Jun 23, 2019 Misti Sonntag rated it it was amazing

Book 1:
Nash is the ultimate man. He's a vet, has a son who he adores, knows his way around a woman and very easy on the eyes. But he's not in any hurry in finding a woman or bringing one around his son. That all changes as soon as he lays eyes on Farrah crying in his waiting room and something twitches. He can't stop himself. Farrah has not had a life of her own for the last 6 years with caring for ailing parents. So she's in a hurry out of St. Helena and to start her new life. But just can she ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Lary Alvarez rated it it was amazing

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wow!!! A beatiful novella, I love i!!
This novella is wonderful , the chemistry between Nash and Farrah was beatiful, full of passion, seduction, like when you see that person like "your one", but most beatiful the instant love between Max an Farrah.
That kid love instantly Farrah, maybe he don't need a Mom but he need a women to love like a Mom , friend, and Farrah is that woman.
Farrah was a woman who need to feel cherished, loved Nash can give her that ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Merle rated it liked it · review of another edition

I deducted a star for the grammatical and word choice errors. This is a nice lightweight series with a big loving family who looks to their parents as inspiration for falling in love. Three sons meet their destiny in this volume, and you root for them, and the nice ladies they meet and love.

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Jul 11, 2019 Dana Busenbark rated it really liked it

Shelves: family, family-saga, love, lovers, love-at-first-sight, romance

Destiny Laughs - We start out the series meeting Farrah. Where is she? What happens when the little boy sitting in the lobby with his dog comforts her? Who are Max, Nash, and Fluffy? I really like who I met of the Santini family. What committments does Farrah have coming up on the horizon and how do things change?

Destiny Plays - We get to follow Christos in this second book! What time of the year is it as he heads home to visit his family? What hppens? United, the cat, is fun! Will this be love ...more

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Jun 23, 2019 Jamee rated it really liked it

Book 1 Review:
Absolutely LOVED this novella!!! While I didn't read the original series it's a spinoff of, you don't really need to. I loved all of the characters! I hope to see more in from them in the future!!! Great job Leslie!!!

Book 2 Review:
Back to St. Helena...while I didn’t connect with the main female character, Kate, I definitely connected with Christos! He is Nash’s brother from Leslie’s other book that has released in this series...he is definitely swoon-worthy. I loved revisiting wi ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Jessica Alcazar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: pike-leslie, 2019-blog-tour-read, pr-give-me-books, library-box-set, library-kindle-doc, reviewed-bookbub

I became a fan of Leslie Pike after I read her Cards of Love story, The World. The book made me happy and my heart was smiling. I enjoyed her voice and style so when this box set came up for review, I jumped! I’m super glad that I did. Every one of these stories was outstanding for me!

Destiny Laughs: Both Farrah and Nash stole my heart. Ya’ll, I was happy the entire time I read this book! It was glorious. And of course Max … *happy sigh* A relatively short read, but not lacking at all! Actually, ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Jocelyne rated it it was amazing

This was my first Leslie Pike's book, and won't be my last. I love her writing. The Santini Series Collection is a great box set, with three brothers, three stories. All stories are beautifully written, fun, sweet and heartwarming. I love these stories when we get to meet all members of a beautiful family. I love the Santini! It's also great to have an update of the previous characters in each story. The Epilogues at the end of each story are wonderful, and the final Epilogue is totally epic! Th ...more

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Jul 16, 2019 Theresa - Oxford Comma Editing rated it really liked it

Shelves: breaking-the-rules, bad-boy-turned-gentle-man, sugar-and-spice

Loved, loved, loved these novellas. It was so nice to have a shorter story to read. Summer is hard with kids home from school, but these stories were the perfect thing to take me away from the craziness around me. They are easy reads with characters that are full of personality and life. What's not to love about a big boisterous Greek/Italian family riddled with handsome men?

Nash and Farrah are a sweet together and each one seems to rescue the other, although in different ways. Then, Christos an ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Konny rated it it was amazing

The Santini Brothers Series Box Set by Leslie Pike contains three novellas, Destiny Laughs; Destiny Plays; Destiny Shines.
Destiny Laughs tells Nash and Farrah's heart wrenching story. The widower and single dad meets the recluse woman and for the first time since his wife's death he wants more. A beautiful story that had me on the edge of my seat.
Destiny Plays is Christos and Kate's story and the least favorite of mine. I couldn't really connect with the characters and the heroine was too .
Desti ...more

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Jun 23, 2019 Vanessa rated it it was amazing

Destiny Laughs: Loved this book! I want my own Nash. Max was the cutest kid, wise beyond his years. I read this as a standalone but will have to definitely read the other books in the series.

Destiny Plays: Finished this at 5am, couldn't put it down. Loved reading about another Santini brother. Great read and didn't feel like I was reading a novella at all. Leslie writes with so much detail I felt like I was right there with the characters. Can't wait to read about the next brother.

Destiny Shin ...more

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Jul 13, 2019 Lynn rated it really liked it

4* Sexy Santini Brothers

This Santini Series Collection box set comprises of three novellas about the very steamy Santino Brothers, Nash the Veterinarian, Christos the Attorney and Nikos the Las Vegas Back up Dancer. Each brother has such varied careers but the one thing they have in common is they are very handsome and super sexy.

I loved each story of the brothers and them falling in love with their sassy ladies.

The book was well written, and each story was sweet, sexy and had some humour to ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Loved the books in this collection!

Destiny Laughs is a quick wonderful love story between two people that are not out looking for love but find it anyways. Throw in a smart kid and some very cute dogs and this story is complete!

Destiny Plays follows Christos Santini and Kate Cornell and their quick insta love story. I loved this fun read and can't wait to read more from Leslie Pike that include the rest of Nash's family! ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Jennifer Oloughlin rated it really liked it

Each couple had their own preconceived notions about where their lives were going. I have to say I loved how each brother meets their girl. Kate and Christos had such a cute and off the wall first meeting.

I read an arc

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Aug 12, 2019 Cathryne Slaughter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

How Did I Miss These Books????

Warninng: the Santini family will grab your heart and soul forever! Warm, loving, sexy stories that will draw you into their world. Everyone wants a family like this! This compilation of 3 books is just wonderful!!

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Jul 18, 2019 Debby rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Excellent!

These are three very lovely stories. Family, ties that are most meaningful. Romance from unexpected circumstances. Definitely worth spending time in these stories.

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Sep 08, 2019 Myndi rated it it was amazing

Love this collection of novellas!

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Jul 14, 2019 Tovah Levine rated it it was amazing

Amazing read, each story had me on the edge of my seat and i loved every minute of it. I don’t have a favorite couple sorry, each has a place in my heart.

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Jul 11, 2019 Melissa rated it it was amazing

These three brothers are what I wish I had. Yes, this is all "make believe", but come on! They're amazing! Leslie's Santini world is all the feels and then some. Don't pass this series up!!! ...more

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