Destiny Plays

Santini Series, Book 2

De: Leslie Pike

Narrado por: Lucy Rivers, Lee Samuels

CHRISTOS

It started on Halloween when I saw her, dressed as a witch, walking alone down a darkened road. She looked like trouble and temptation wrapped in mystery. From that first glance to our last goodnight, something shifted.

For the first time in a long time, the shadows lifted. If older women are made of this kind of magic, I’ve been casting my line in the wrong waters. When we kissed, it wasn’t just sparks—it was equal ground. No games. No masks. Just us.

KATE

Younger men were always the safer choice. Fun, forgettable, and easy to leave behind. I never promised forever—I never wanted to. And then I met him. Mature. Commanding. Unexpected.

With him, it wasn’t a slow burn. It was a detonation. He kissed me like he had every right to, and I let him, knowing everything was about to change.

For once in my life, I’m not running. But will this twist of fate lead to forever?

©2018 Leslie Pike (P)2025 Leslie Pike

Adorable Halloween Meet Cute

Lawyer / Actress
Halloween meet cute
Age gap (she’s older)
Quirky Cat

Christos Santini and Kate One rainy night and a silly cat changed everything for these two, and their story is sexy and passionate. I loved the connection and maturity of both Christos and Kate; they knew their chemistry was special, and now they must figure out how to keep it going even when Kate has to return to work.

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.

Leslie is the Queen of Meet-cutes!

Leslie Pike proves once again that she is the queen of meet-cutes in Destiny Plays, the heartwarming second book in the Santini Series.

Cristos, a 40 year old lawyer with a love for fast cars and solo drives, crosses paths with Kate when her car breaks down in the rain — while she’s dressed in a full witch costume. The setup is delightfully quirky, and from that moment, the sparks fly. Kate, also in her forties, is a traveling actress who’s used to a life of independence and no-strings-attached relationships. But her connection with Cristos hits hard and fast — a true case of insta-love that feels both swoony and grounded.

Their relationship unfolds naturally as she invites him into her world, introducing him to her quirky family at a Halloween party, and later joining him at his brother’s wedding. Neither of them expected something this real—or this deep—at this stage in life.
Narrators Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels breathe even more life into this already vibrant story.
Lucy gives Kate both a tough independence and a soft vulnerability, making her fall into love feel authentic and much-deserved. While Lee voices Cristos with a steady warmth and subtle awe, nailing the falls first, falls hard energy that makes him instantly lovable.
Destiny Plays is a beautifully mature, heartfelt romance full of wit and charm that will make you believe in the magic of timing. Some meet-cutes are more than just chance—they’re destiny in disguise.

love the santinis'

Destiny Plays brings us back to St. Helena and to the Santini family! This is book 2 in the Santini series - it can be read as a standalone! This was cute and sexy I enjoyed a couple that was a little more mature in this book! Christos happens to be driving by and sees a woman on the street while it's raining -enter Kate - and he decides to give her a ride. Kate is just trying to make her way to her aunt's Halloween party and might have also found a stray cat to save as well....and the realization of this in the car was hilarious to listen to!

Destiny Plays is narrated in dual by Lee Samuels & Lucy Rivers and was such a fun novella to listen to! They both did a fabulous job at making this easy to listen to and enjoy!

Short, Sweet, and Spectacular! Stellar Narration!

At this point, I think it’s safe to say that Leslie Pike is the undisputed queen of short and sweet… and spectacular! Destiny Plays is the second audiobook in her Santini series, and I loved it so much! This book centers on Christos Santini and his lady love, Kate. Their story is beyond entertaining with plenty of spice, witty and adorable banter, romance, and even a quirky cat that I’m pretty sure is made up of pure sass and an undying love for Christos. And the ending is everything! Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels provide the outstanding narration that brings this fantastic story to life. Both give emotional, entertaining, and impassioned performances. I highly recommend this beautiful little love story, and I dare you to listen to this without smiling!

Destiny Plays

Destiny Plays is book two in the Santini Series and I absolutely loved this novella. Leslie Pike knows how to write the best romance books that keeps the reader invested in the characters development and storyline. Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels are perfection. They truly become the characters and their narration elevates the story telling.

Short, Sweet, and Full of Feelings!

Destiny Plays is a beautifully written short novel that delivers a full, emotional romance in a short time. Kate and Christos meet by chance on a rainy Halloween night she’s in full witch costume, and he’s drawn to her before he even sees her face. That moment hooked me.

Their relationship builds naturally, with real-life stakes as Kate prepares to move for work. The connection between them feels grounded, tender, and completely believable.

The audiobook brings this story to life in such a powerful way. Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels are incredible. Their performances add depth and intimacy, making it feel like you’re listening to a real couple navigate the start of something meaningful. Their performance took this story to another level.

Quick, heartfelt, and so well done! This one’s worth the listen.

More Santini Greatness! Fabulous Story & Listen🎧

Leslie Pike pens another delightful novella set in her wonderful “Santini” series, a heartwarming romance that captivates your attention. This second book of the series is Christos Santini’s and Kate Cornell’s, and I loved everything about it, from how they first met and the hilarious scene in the car, to their instant love, to them figuring out their futures and if they could have one together. Both Christos and Kate are easy to relate to and connect with and it was great to see the Santini family again, a family you can’t help but fall in love with. This novella packs a full story, a charming story with the perfect balance of drama, humor and witty banter, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Leslie Pike, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride

🎧📚🎧  Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels deliver another fabulous performance voicing these characters and doing so with a perfect portrayal of each. Samuels knocked it out of the park as Christos, showcasing every aspect of his personality and Rivers did the same as Kate and was just as fabulous in her role. Their pacing and tone were just right for the story and they handled the witty dialogue effortlessly. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they capture all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their captivating performance takes the already great story to another level.

Sweet love story

This book was so cute! I loved that the main characters were in their 40s. Seeing a love story with adults was refreshing. The story itself was so cute, per Leslie’s usual. The story follows actress, Kate and lawyer, Christos and their chance meeting, courting and HEA. It’s got just the right amount of angst to not cause anxiety and just enough spice too. I listened to it on audio and the narrators did fantastic. You’ll love it!

Favorite Book of the Series! ❤️

I love this series of Novellas about the Santini brothers.  This story was about Christos Santini picking up Kate when she was stranded in the road.  It was a fun, sweet story as they quickly fell for each other.  I loved the rest of the family in this story too.  Lee and Lucy were great and brought the story to life.  I definitely recommend this book and all the rest in the series.

Loved it

This audiobook was such a vibe. Short, swoony, and a little bit magical—this one had me hooked from that rainy Halloween meet-cute. I’m loving this series more with each story!