Destiny Shines

Santini Series, Book 3

By: Leslie Pike

Narrated by: Lucy Rivers, Lee Samuels

NIKOS

It takes everything I have not to keep touching her whenever we’re together. But the pull is more than physical.

We barely know each other, but I know there’s something calling me to her. Surprisingly, it’s not about what I can see. When I’m with her, I see myself differently.

I thought I knew a lot about women, but Jenny’s a masterclass.

JENNY

I may be going to hell for thinking about it in church, but for the first time in my life I’m obsessed with the physical. It’s Nikos’ fault.

Who else would want to recreate the iconic dance in Dirty Dancing… naked. The man has imagination.

I’m going to ignore the fact he isn’t my type, because it was worth going off brand.

Something tells me I’m onto something good.

©2018 Leslie Pike (P)2025 Leslie Pike

Good

Nikos and Jenn

3.5*

Cute, funny and short
I listened to the audio book.
The narrators did a good job.
Nikos is the dancer who lives in Vegas and Jenn is his dad's PT when he hurt his ankle and he comes home to help take care of him.
Favorite part the Dirty Dancing scene my favorite movie.
I do wish it was longer I thought it was a little too short.
I also like that each member has a theme party for their big birthdays and the banter between the siblings.

Oh, Nikos....

We finally get Nikos’s story—and it was so worth the wait! Having met him in earlier Santini books as a bit of a charming playboy, I was intrigued whenever he popped up. There was always something about him that hinted at more beneath the surface, and Destiny Shines gives finally gives us that glimpse.

Nikos is a professional dancer in Las Vegas, but when his aging father breaks his leg, he returns to St. Helena to help out. Enter Jenny, the physical therapist hired to care for his dad. Their connection is immediate, and Leslie Pike takes the insta-love trope and weaves it into something that feels refreshing and real. The chemistry between Nikos and Jenny is electric from the start, and as their bond deepens, so does the emotional weight of the story.
The long-distance element adds a real-world layer of tension, and it raises the stakes in a way that feels incredibly relatable. Leslie Pike pours so much heart into every scene, and the narration by Lee Samuels and Lucy Rivers elevates it even further. They breathe life into these characters, making every flirtation, every doubt, and every declaration feel all the more real.
The story begins with heat but gradually transitions into something tender and profound. And the epilogue, one of the biggest time jumps I’ve ever seen, is the perfect conclusion to Nikos and Jenny’s journey.
Dare I say.this might just be my favorite book in the Santini series!

Fast, Flirty, and Full of Feels!

Destiny Shines gives us Nikos’ story the youngest Santini brother, full of charm and mischief. We’ve gotten glimpses of him in the earlier books, but here he takes center stage. He’s a dancer living it up in Vegas until family duty calls him home, where he meets Jenny, his father’s physical therapist.

Jenny tries to keep it professional, but Nikos is persistent and impossible to ignore. Their relationship moves fast, it’s definitely a whirlwind but it also feels genuine. I liked how she grounded him and helped him slow down from the flashy lifestyle he was used to.

There’s plenty of chemistry, sweet moments, and even a Dirty Dancing nod that made me grin. And the narration? Fantastic. Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels bring such life and heart to these characters, it’s always a treat hearing them perform together.

A solid addition to the Santini Series, and I’m excited to see what comes next for this family!

A Splendid Story & Listen🎧Delightful & Heartfelt!

I’m completely hooked on Leslie Pike’s “Santini” series—each book features a different Santini brother and is as wonderful as the last. This third book is Nikos, the youngest Santini’s story, and he is definitely living it up and partying hard in Las Vegas, where he works as a backup dancer. After his father’s accident, his mother called asking him to come home and help, and because he was in between jobs, Nikos went back home. Jenny Doyle, a physical therapist, is dating a paster, but has a lackluster love life, no thanks to his beliefs to not get intimate until they are married. Then she meets him, her new patient, Mr. Santini’s son, Nikos, and the chemistry between them is electric and truly shines. It was great to watch Nikos fall for Jenny, also great to see him re-evaluate his life choices and Jenny has to do the same. This novella sized book packs a well plotted, multi-layered story, and I loved watching it all unfold. It is always great to spend time with the Santini’s and I adored the direction Pike took her characters in the end and in the future, and that epilogue was amazing!! Leslie Pike, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Lucy Rivers and Lee Samuels continue to do an amazing job bringing these characters to life, giving each a voice that is fitting for a perfect portrayal of each. Rivers was a natural in Jenny’s role, grasped her personality and demeanor perfectly, from her insecurities to her confidence, and all in between. Samuels did the same in Nikos’ role, showcasing his playfulness and then his caring side, and was great with his inner thoughts too. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary/side characters too. These two are entertaining storytellers and their performance not only takes the story to another level, but it keeps you riveted to the story.

4.5 Shining Stars!

I have been waiting for Nikos story and he did not disappoint! Nikos is the youngest and wildest in the loving Santini family. He is living an untamed life in the world of a Las Vegas dancer. When he received a call to come home to care for his dad after an accident, he was not happy. He soon finds a diversion in his fathers Physical Therapist, Jenny. Jenny has a natural sweet and sexy appearance but Niko sees a wild side just below the surface, and is determined to set it free. Jenny is so tempted by the sexy dancer but doesn't mix business with pleasure. When Niko breaks thru her walls and their passion is combustible will it burn them both?
I am so happy that Lee Samuels & Lucy Rivers continue to narrate this series. I loved the way they developed and expressed these characters, making them come alive, and making me care for them, and cheer for their HEA. I loved this is fun, heartwarming, sexy addition to the Santini family saga.