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Assassins #4.6
4 & Counting
4 & Counting is a short story that gives you more of an inside look at Shea and Elli Adler who were introduced and fell in love in the first book of the Assassins series, Taking Shots. Over the first three books readers have watched them fall in love and begin a family. In 4 & Counting Elli’s birth of their twin boys, Evan and Owen is coming near but also she is having a few issues with her Assassins starters, Erik and Phillip.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2013
16 people are currently reading
2474 people want to read
About the author
Toni Aleo
105 books6,718 followersWALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN'T MISS!
make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...
My name is Toni aleo and I'm a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!
I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.
You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I'll never give my heart to one player again. When I'm not in the gym getting swole, I'm usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I'm pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...
My name is Toni aleo and I'm a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!
I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.
You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I'll never give my heart to one player again. When I'm not in the gym getting swole, I'm usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I'm pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 29, 2013
I soooo love Shea Adler! This was a great little bonus chapter from both Elli and Shea's pov. It also sets up The fourth book in the Assasin's series: Blue Lines, due in December :D
http://www.scribd.com/doc/179052151/4...
http://www.scribd.com/doc/179052151/4...
November 9, 2013
Love my Shea and Elli!
To read this click here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/179052151/4...
To read this click here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/179052151/4...
October 31, 2013
More Shea, Ladies! Do you really need another reason to read it?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/179052151/4...
http://www.scribd.com/doc/179052151/4...
November 17, 2025
What a sweet little peek into Shea and Elli’s life. 4 & Counting feels like a warm hug from characters you already love. In this short (about 29 pages) novella, Toni Aleo gives us more of Shea and Elli Adler, the couple we first met in Taking Shots, as they prepare for the birth of their twin boys, Evan and Owen. There’s joy, anticipation, and the kind of worry that only real life can bring: Shea is thrilled but nervous, and Elli, while excited, is facing some challenges with her “Assassin starters,” Erik and Phillip. The tone is intimate and reflective, and even though it’s a novella, it doesn’t feel shallow. We see a fully formed couple, not just caricatures.
What resonated most with me was how Aleo captures the everyday beauty of family life. This isn’t about high-octane romance or dramatic showdowns; it’s about commitment, partnership, and looking forward to a future that isn’t just about hockey (though the Assassins world remains in the backdrop). The writing feels unhurried, warm, and personal, as though Shea is telling us his dreams and fears over coffee at home. Readers who have followed Shea and Elli through the first few books will likely adore this little addition, because it gives that gentle, satisfying sense of growth and togetherness. If you love a sweet, character-driven moment that bridges the gap before the next big story, this is a lovely interlude. 4 stars for its warmth, emotional truth, and the quietly powerful way it deepens a beloved couple’s journey.
What resonated most with me was how Aleo captures the everyday beauty of family life. This isn’t about high-octane romance or dramatic showdowns; it’s about commitment, partnership, and looking forward to a future that isn’t just about hockey (though the Assassins world remains in the backdrop). The writing feels unhurried, warm, and personal, as though Shea is telling us his dreams and fears over coffee at home. Readers who have followed Shea and Elli through the first few books will likely adore this little addition, because it gives that gentle, satisfying sense of growth and togetherness. If you love a sweet, character-driven moment that bridges the gap before the next big story, this is a lovely interlude. 4 stars for its warmth, emotional truth, and the quietly powerful way it deepens a beloved couple’s journey.
April 21, 2014
I couldn't resist reading this short story even with the wrong order. I just wanted a little more of Shea and Elli.
This was a sweet short story showing us their married life and their kids. It had some real beautiful family moments.
Completely adorable, and if you've loved their book, you will definitely want to read this ;)
This was a sweet short story showing us their married life and their kids. It had some real beautiful family moments.
Completely adorable, and if you've loved their book, you will definitely want to read this ;)
October 31, 2013
Sigh....I do LOVE that Shea Adler. Very cute short story, Elli and Shea have twin boys!
September 2, 2015
Great little story about Shea & Ellie.
October 28, 2013
Super cute mini story!! Was like 29 pages!
Shea's so funny wanting to have another go for another baby!! I mean, two girls and now twin sons in three years! Yikes!!
I seriously can't wait for BLUE LINES to come out!! That's the book I've been just waiting for but the release date kept getting pushed back! Was so depressing.
Hopefully, the tour host I've been working with hears word from Ms. Aleo since she told me that she's supposed to host a blog tour for BLUE LINES so I hope that I can join!!
I want to read about Piper and Erik so bad!!! *cries*
Shea's so funny wanting to have another go for another baby!! I mean, two girls and now twin sons in three years! Yikes!!
I seriously can't wait for BLUE LINES to come out!! That's the book I've been just waiting for but the release date kept getting pushed back! Was so depressing.
Hopefully, the tour host I've been working with hears word from Ms. Aleo since she told me that she's supposed to host a blog tour for BLUE LINES so I hope that I can join!!
I want to read about Piper and Erik so bad!!! *cries*
October 28, 2013
What can I say except that I LOVE Elli and Shea Adler. This was a cute bonus chapter about what Elli and Shea have been up to. It also set up the premise for the next book in the Series....Blue Lines. I can't wait to read it!!!!!
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
January 16, 2014
Shea is my book boyfriend....but... you know how when you are 26 and the guy you are into says he can't wait to have lots of kids and you swoon and start picking out names for all of the beautiful little babies you will create with him???? Well, when you're 36, like me, you want to tell Mr. Hottie he had better grow himself a uterus to house all those parasitic fetuses (feti? Lol). That's how I'm feeling about Shea Adler right now. I went from 26 to 36 in the time it took to read this short story. I never EVER thought I'd say this... but I feel sorry for Elli. I know, I know, I've been vocal in my hatred for Elli, but, damn Shea, listen to the words coming out of your wife's mouth.
Thank you Toni Aleo for giving us a little something to hold us over until Piper and Erik's story comes out in December. I was missing my Assassins. What with the bonus epilogue to Falling For the Backup and this short story, it felt like Christmas!
Thank you Toni Aleo for giving us a little something to hold us over until Piper and Erik's story comes out in December. I was missing my Assassins. What with the bonus epilogue to Falling For the Backup and this short story, it felt like Christmas!
October 29, 2013
So where do I sign up to let make Shea's dream of his own hockey team come true? Loved this look into the Adler family.
November 9, 2013
This was a short and sweet read. I loved it.
August 7, 2017
Such a cute short and great glimpse into Elli and Shea's life! Can't wait to see how many more kids they have!!
November 20, 2019
Short and super sweet little story about Elli and Shea and kids!
October 28, 2013
I really really really missed Shea! Scene where Shea is singing? Tears. :')
And what's with everyone is pregnant theme haha! Poor men! :)
Now I really can't wait to read Erik and Piper's story, but really, I think we need new Shea book, not few pages, I mean like 400 pages of hot guy with skills. ;)
Thank you Toni! :)
And what's with everyone is pregnant theme haha! Poor men! :)
Now I really can't wait to read Erik and Piper's story, but really, I think we need new Shea book, not few pages, I mean like 400 pages of hot guy with skills. ;)
Thank you Toni! :)
November 19, 2013
I have nothing else to say but "I WANT MORE OF SHEA AND ELLI" Toni Aleo thank you for giving us another snipet of their life. When I saw the just got out novellas of your Assasins Series you had become one of my favorite authors!. HAHA. I want more. I'm beginning to think of having an Assasins gear. I hope you can sell some :)))
October 28, 2013
Beautiful addition to Shea's story. He's one of the best and seeing him as the doting father was icing on the cake. Course I found his desire for an army of children hilarious considering he's not the one pushing them out :) And cannot wait for Piper's story. Already sounds enticing...
October 28, 2013
Yay more Elli and Shea!! I loved 4 & Counting!! In this short story, we get to see Shea and Elli's growing family! I enjoyed reading about their marital bliss and how their love has grown. If you haven't read this series you are missing out get to reading it now lol!!
October 28, 2013
Aww, such a cute short story LOVED IT.
Shea and Eli have always been my favourite characters from this series. So I was SSSSOOOOO excited when I heard 4 & counting was coming out. And I was definitely pleased with this story:)
Shea and Eli have always been my favourite characters from this series. So I was SSSSOOOOO excited when I heard 4 & counting was coming out. And I was definitely pleased with this story:)
November 12, 2013
awesome cover and book. really love Shea the baby making machine. He and Lucas really there are no words lol. I love the way they always harmonious and loving and just say it like it is and consult on everything.......
November 14, 2013
Sweet one...!! I hated Ellie in the first book but once she and Shea got together, she was sweet and lovable..!! And in this one awesome...!!
Great work Ms Aleo....giving us an inside peek to Assassin character's HEA...a wonderful idea!!
Great work Ms Aleo....giving us an inside peek to Assassin character's HEA...a wonderful idea!!
October 10, 2014
Loooooove this cute cute cute shirt story SHEA is amazing ughhh I knew it I knew I knew it I was like piper has to be preggers too and ughhh Erik is being a total jerk I know blue lines is going to kill me grrrr but 4&countung was adorable love love love :) 8:00am
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2015
La verdad es que Elli me está gustando mucho más a lo largo de la saga, cuanto mas la conozco, más me gusta, ahora que ya nos hemos quitado de encima todas las tonterías del primer libro. Y Shea como siempre, encantador. Es un buen relato y un buen paso para el cuarto libro
October 30, 2013
Not wha I expected but it was good.
This one should be read before "falling for the backup epilogue ".
This one should be read before "falling for the backup epilogue ".
October 29, 2013
<3 So sweet, love this couple!
December 4, 2013
This is a sweet short story about Shea and Elli and the birth of the twins.
It will also make you anticipate Blue Lines, which starts where 4 & Counting leaves off.
It will also make you anticipate Blue Lines, which starts where 4 & Counting leaves off.
October 29, 2013
Review coming soon!
October 29, 2013
Gotta love an author who gives us a preview for free! So miss this crew.
October 31, 2013
*rubs hands together* I am so ready for Blue Lines!!!!! This just confirmed my excitedness!!
Come to me Piper and Eric!!!!
Come to me Piper and Eric!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews