Destiny Laughs

Santini Family Series, Book 1

By: Leslie Pike

Narrated by: Lee Samuels, Lucy Rivers

Destiny laughs at the well laid plans of Dr. Nash Santini and Farrah Knight.

St. Helena's new veterinarian is six feet of handsome with a big side of sexy. But the widower isn't using his gifts. His focus is his young son, Max. Moving back to his hometown has provided the boy with stability and a big extended family.

Farrah cared for her ailing parents for a hard six years. With a friend's offer of a job in a more affordable location, she's about to sell her inherited home. She wants to have an adventure, and maybe she'll find it in a fresh start.

St. Helena is a town filled with lovers, and soon there may be two more, because fate loves a challenge.

©2018, 2026 Leslie Pike (P)2025 Leslie Pike

Short & Sweet Perfection!

Can a meet-cute be both sweet and heart-wrenching? Leslie Pike proves it can.
After an unexpected run-in with a stray dog, Farrah finds herself at the local vet clinic, and that’s where fate introduces her to Nash, a widowed, single-dad veterinarian. Farrah, still reeling from the recent loss of both her parents, is caught in that in-between of grief and starting over. She has a job lined up, a plan in place, but then Nash walks in with his quiet strength and easy charm… and everything shifts.
Narrated in dual POV by Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels, this audiobook strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sexy. Lucy brings Farrah to life with just the right amount of vulnerability, portraying a woman trying to stay strong while feeling lost. Lee gives Nash that protective, swoon-worthy edge that makes him impossible not to fall for. He’s gentle, grounded, and not afraid to fall fast and hard.
Leslie Pike is a master of packing big heart into short listens, and Desting Laughs is no exception. It’s tender, character-driven, and laced with just the right amount of spice and angst to keep your heart full of all the feels!

Charming, emotional, and fun story!

I absolutely loved this charming, emotional, and fun story. I am usually not a fan of novellas but this story had a depth that was totally satisfying. Nash is a sexy single Dad who has just moved to the area with his adorable young son, Max. Max is his priority, so he is not looking for a long term relationship. When he meets beautiful, sweet and sexy Farrah in his office, the sparks fly. Farrah has had her life on hold, caring for her ill parents. She is selling her home and moving away, looking for adventure. It is the perfect setup for a quick and fun affair, but they never expected the connection of a lifetime. This story was fast but packed with fun banter, sweet family connections, lovable dogs, and fiery hot passion. It also had the perfect epilogue that brought tears to my eyes!
Lee Samuels and Lucy Rivers did a great job bringing these characters and story to life. They are so easy to listen to as they flawlessly deliver all the fun banter, emotion, and steam. They made this romance even more captivating and delightful.

Awwww!!

This is the first book in the series that I listened to second lol

This one is about Nash and Farrah. They met by chance after she hit a dog with her car. They spent that one evening together and had a great time. They stated they were just friends to his family but they of course saw through that charade lol

I like how these books aren’t “insta love” but since they are short they are accelerated and don’t have too much of the typical angst and drama.

I loved how things played out with their relationship and her friendship to mothering relationship with Max, Nash’s son.

This story was so beautiful.

This book was brought to life wonderfully by Lee Samuels and Lucy Rivers!

Wonderful Story & Listen🎧 Sweet & Heartwarming!

This wonderful story is a great start to the “Santini” series, and I loved everything about, well not everything, since I did not want it to end, because I could not get enough of these characters. After taking care of her parents for the past six years, it is time for Farrah Knight to live her own life and she has it all planned out. Bringing an injured dog to the town veterinarian, she meets the cutest of kids, Max, who is wise beyond his nine years, and comforts Farrah as she waits for the news about the dog. Turns out Max is Dr. Nash Santini’s son and when Nash comes to give Farrah the news about the injured dog, there is an instant connection between them. Nash is not looking for any involvements or romantic relationships, but when he finds out she is leaving town, he figured a fling could not hurt either, except it turns into something so much more. This sweet and spicy romance captivates your attention, tugs at your heartstrings and warms your heart, a perfect book to enjoy in one sitting. Leslie Pike, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride. 

🎧📚🎧 Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels were fantastic voicing these characters, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagine the characters to sound. Both grasped every aspect of their characters’s personality and demeanor perfectly. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complement each other and an enthralling performance that keeps you glued to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

Small town novella

Single Dad
Small Town
Veterinarian

Dr. Nash Santini and Farrah Knights
When Farrah’s parents pass away, her everyday norm of taking care of them has vanished, and she has to find herself again, all while putting their house on the market and trying to move forward. When she meets a local veterinarian, a lot of things begin to change again for her.

I loved these two and the bond they formed, not only together but with Nash’s son. You could feel the genuine attraction through Lee and Lucy’s voices, and let me tell you, this man fell hard.

The setting in each book made this experience even sweeter, and the localness I felt from a town in close proximity to where I live warmed my heart.
Each book is a standalone, but the family aspect in Leslie’s stories is something I love most. With each novella averaging around 2 hours, I recommend bingeing the entire series.
They are feel-good, sweet, sexy, and from the heart.

Thank you, Lara, for gifting me these audios.