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Freeing Nala: A Paranormal Romance
Bound by fate, torn by pride—nothing will keep me from claiming what’s mine.
This is a time jump--After Healing Hazel.
TORIN
Fifteen years have passed since Meekah of Zohar Pride took Nala away from me. My fated mate, my reason for breathing. The separation was necessary—she needed to learn control over her lion—but the loss has hollowed me.
I've spent these years building my House of Boker, the first truly diverse supernatural pack in Wintermoon's history. I've secured a position at the Academy, constructed a home worthy of my mate, and established myself as alpha. Everything is in place.
Now it's time to bring Nala home where she belongs.
NALA
I've spent fifteen years believing Torin rejected me, trying to build a life among lions when my heart belongs to a wolf. Meekah became the father I needed, but Zohar Pride has never truly accepted me—a lioness fated to a wolf.
When Torin reappears in my life, the mate bond flares stronger than ever. But becoming Luna to a pack that includes Cyra—the wolf shifter who still bears my claw marks—won't be easy. My lion remains unpredictable, dangerous when provoked.
As the time for our reunion finally arrives, I must make a remain with the pride that raised me or embrace the destiny written in my soul since childhood—to stand beside my wolf as his equal, his Luna, the mother of his children.
But when old rivalries resurface and pack tensions rise, we'll discover if our love is strong enough to bridge two worlds.
This book explores some minor dark themes. Please review the content warnings before continuing.
This is a time jump--After Healing Hazel.
TORIN
Fifteen years have passed since Meekah of Zohar Pride took Nala away from me. My fated mate, my reason for breathing. The separation was necessary—she needed to learn control over her lion—but the loss has hollowed me.
I've spent these years building my House of Boker, the first truly diverse supernatural pack in Wintermoon's history. I've secured a position at the Academy, constructed a home worthy of my mate, and established myself as alpha. Everything is in place.
Now it's time to bring Nala home where she belongs.
NALA
I've spent fifteen years believing Torin rejected me, trying to build a life among lions when my heart belongs to a wolf. Meekah became the father I needed, but Zohar Pride has never truly accepted me—a lioness fated to a wolf.
When Torin reappears in my life, the mate bond flares stronger than ever. But becoming Luna to a pack that includes Cyra—the wolf shifter who still bears my claw marks—won't be easy. My lion remains unpredictable, dangerous when provoked.
As the time for our reunion finally arrives, I must make a remain with the pride that raised me or embrace the destiny written in my soul since childhood—to stand beside my wolf as his equal, his Luna, the mother of his children.
But when old rivalries resurface and pack tensions rise, we'll discover if our love is strong enough to bridge two worlds.
This book explores some minor dark themes. Please review the content warnings before continuing.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
156 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 12, 2025
This Was Such a Good Time
I had a grand time reading this book. It was such a good time. Gabriel used to be my favorite shifter, but Torin has thoroughly taken that spot. I love him and Nala so much and have since Book 2. Torin is assertive but not forceful; he’s dominant but not a tyrant. Nyla allowed her man to lead but she wasn’t a pushover and I loved that for them. They’re also very young, younger than the shifters we’ve been introduced to, but they both have so much emotional maturity. Torin had the presence of mind to know when to seek counsel for the betterment of his family and his pack, and Nala knew that her tension with Cyra wasn’t sustainable, and took steps to correct that, even if it meant inconveniencing herself. Torin and Nala exemplify what Levi and Nia should have been.
Tessa has also created a vast, paranormal world that now includes sports like the Pridegames, and it’s just so well-done and thought out. Everything just flows together seamlessly.
I want to read this book all over again. It was captivating from the opening page. 5 ⭐️
I had a grand time reading this book. It was such a good time. Gabriel used to be my favorite shifter, but Torin has thoroughly taken that spot. I love him and Nala so much and have since Book 2. Torin is assertive but not forceful; he’s dominant but not a tyrant. Nyla allowed her man to lead but she wasn’t a pushover and I loved that for them. They’re also very young, younger than the shifters we’ve been introduced to, but they both have so much emotional maturity. Torin had the presence of mind to know when to seek counsel for the betterment of his family and his pack, and Nala knew that her tension with Cyra wasn’t sustainable, and took steps to correct that, even if it meant inconveniencing herself. Torin and Nala exemplify what Levi and Nia should have been.
Tessa has also created a vast, paranormal world that now includes sports like the Pridegames, and it’s just so well-done and thought out. Everything just flows together seamlessly.
I want to read this book all over again. It was captivating from the opening page. 5 ⭐️
August 1, 2025
What a beautiful way to wrap up the Fated Mates series by ending it with a happy ending for Nala and Torin. Felt like i helped raised them ::tear::
July 29, 2025
I’ve been obsessed with the Wintermoon world, so I was hype to finally get Nala and Torin’s story! It’s been 15 years since the last book, and a lot went down heartbreak, growth, and that long road back to each other 🥹
Nala getting adopted by Meekah. Loved that for her and her lion. Torin becoming alpha of the first diverse pack. With Nala as his Luna. Loved that even more. This book gave found family, growth, and some real-life parallels with folks still holding onto old hate despite progress.
Their love story was tragic but beautiful true fated mates who waited for each other.
Loved the series, and I’m so ready for what’s next in the Academy world!
Nala getting adopted by Meekah. Loved that for her and her lion. Torin becoming alpha of the first diverse pack. With Nala as his Luna. Loved that even more. This book gave found family, growth, and some real-life parallels with folks still holding onto old hate despite progress.
Their love story was tragic but beautiful true fated mates who waited for each other.
Loved the series, and I’m so ready for what’s next in the Academy world!
August 1, 2025
4⭐️
“He tastes like home. Like belonging. Like the missing piece of myself I’ve been searching for all these years.” ❤️
“I think about Nala, my sweetheart, my anchor in every storm. Just the thought of her calms my wolf, brings peace to my troubled mind.” ❤️
“My mate. My lioness. My everything.” ❤️
“I love her with every breath, every heartbeat, every cell in my body. And soon, very soon, I’ll finally make her mine in every way that matters.” ❤️
Tropes
Black Shifter romance (alpha wolf x lioness)
Second chance/reunited love
Fated mates
Mating/breeding
Found family
I’m showing make way through the books in this Wintermoon/Tessa Stone world and I’m enjoying them. I love that she writes men that love their women/mates with everything they have. They are protective, attentive, passionate, and will do anything to ensure they are happy and cared for. And Toronto was exactly that. He cherished Napa and you could feel that while reading. The spice was also spiiiicing with this one. They both couldn’t couldn’t get enough and I loved to see it lol
The ending peaked my interest, and I’ll be reading Aaron’s story when it comes out
“He tastes like home. Like belonging. Like the missing piece of myself I’ve been searching for all these years.” ❤️
“I think about Nala, my sweetheart, my anchor in every storm. Just the thought of her calms my wolf, brings peace to my troubled mind.” ❤️
“My mate. My lioness. My everything.” ❤️
“I love her with every breath, every heartbeat, every cell in my body. And soon, very soon, I’ll finally make her mine in every way that matters.” ❤️
Tropes
Black Shifter romance (alpha wolf x lioness)
Second chance/reunited love
Fated mates
Mating/breeding
Found family
I’m showing make way through the books in this Wintermoon/Tessa Stone world and I’m enjoying them. I love that she writes men that love their women/mates with everything they have. They are protective, attentive, passionate, and will do anything to ensure they are happy and cared for. And Toronto was exactly that. He cherished Napa and you could feel that while reading. The spice was also spiiiicing with this one. They both couldn’t couldn’t get enough and I loved to see it lol
The ending peaked my interest, and I’ll be reading Aaron’s story when it comes out
July 30, 2025
Such a beautiful story !!!
Awww, knowing that this is the last if the ," Fated " , series has me a little but sad, but there is more to come from this spectacular series !!!
In this book , we get Torin and Nala's story .
As two younglings they were kept in cages that were close, and when opportunity presented itself , they made a break for it . Olivia, Gabriel's later mate found them , and everyone ended up at Wintermoon . As orphans , Nala and Torin grew up at the Academy. Until a bad situation tore them apart.
Now , Torin is more than ready to welcome his fated mate. As an Alpha, with a pack of his own , he shows his maturity , and growth. All for his fated mate.
Nala has been adopted by Meekah, and his pride. NIW that she is of age , Torin is coming to take her to his pack.
But how can she , a lion shifter ever lead a wolf pack ???
These two , I felt like I watched them grow up ! And this story was a magnificent addition to this already phenomenal series !!! I enjoyed it very much , and look forward to what's next !!!
Awww, knowing that this is the last if the ," Fated " , series has me a little but sad, but there is more to come from this spectacular series !!!
In this book , we get Torin and Nala's story .
As two younglings they were kept in cages that were close, and when opportunity presented itself , they made a break for it . Olivia, Gabriel's later mate found them , and everyone ended up at Wintermoon . As orphans , Nala and Torin grew up at the Academy. Until a bad situation tore them apart.
Now , Torin is more than ready to welcome his fated mate. As an Alpha, with a pack of his own , he shows his maturity , and growth. All for his fated mate.
Nala has been adopted by Meekah, and his pride. NIW that she is of age , Torin is coming to take her to his pack.
But how can she , a lion shifter ever lead a wolf pack ???
These two , I felt like I watched them grow up ! And this story was a magnificent addition to this already phenomenal series !!! I enjoyed it very much , and look forward to what's next !!!
November 3, 2025
I’m so glad Torin and Nala got a full story it was so needed. We got to follow them from children all the way through surviving to thriving. Torin loved so hard and was dedicated to loving his mate and no matter what wanting to be the best mate to date. Every promise he made to himself and to his mate he made happen and loved Nala through it all. He like Levi is one of the Alphas that was willing to learn and earn his mate knowing what was needed to be who his mate needed. They were the 1st of their kind of mate and clearly needed that time to control the wolf and lion to be able to handle what was to come. The only think I didn’t like is I missed where Nicole found her mate and the witching Glen war that took place. The books for that come after this book was released. Really sad that Wintermoon fated mate is over, but I know that we are now in the thick of the vampires of Wintermoon. Love that we can still get glimpse of the other shifters as they all work together.
November 29, 2025
I have been a faithful fan of Tessa’s books and Wintermoon from the beginning. I was Introduced to Torin and Nala in Claiming Gabriel.
I felt ALL of the feels. This story was brilliantly and beautifully written. I cried real tears and tissues were needed this entire read. Tears of sadness - remembering the tragedy and trauma Torin and Nala went through together; homeless, alone and afraid on the streets after escaping captivity and watching their parents be murdered. And then tears of joy as I read about their beautiful love story as grownups now. Our babies are all grown up! 😫😭
It was nice to see all the other Wintermoon kids growing up; Kane/Tammy’s wolf pup Ocean, and Ebony/Tristians cub Caleb. I look forward to Wintermoon Academy coming in the future with Caleb, Aaron and Ezra/Aya’s stories.
I felt ALL of the feels. This story was brilliantly and beautifully written. I cried real tears and tissues were needed this entire read. Tears of sadness - remembering the tragedy and trauma Torin and Nala went through together; homeless, alone and afraid on the streets after escaping captivity and watching their parents be murdered. And then tears of joy as I read about their beautiful love story as grownups now. Our babies are all grown up! 😫😭
It was nice to see all the other Wintermoon kids growing up; Kane/Tammy’s wolf pup Ocean, and Ebony/Tristians cub Caleb. I look forward to Wintermoon Academy coming in the future with Caleb, Aaron and Ezra/Aya’s stories.
July 20, 2025
Torin and his Lioness
I am so sad to see this phase wrapped up, but I am looking forward to the next phase.
Torin and Nala was always leading from they were introduced in Gabriel's story. Torin let everyone know that she was his fated mate regardless of the differences.
It looks like Mother Faith will interconnct more species and House of Boker can be an option.
Torin did well by going to the therpaist for guidance is ragards to Nala. Meekah was guiding her for years and didnt seem to think of a way to get her to embrace her lioness.
I was glad to see that Nala and Cyra got past the insecurities to have a better relationship.
Loved this story of love, growth and patience.
I am so sad to see this phase wrapped up, but I am looking forward to the next phase.
Torin and Nala was always leading from they were introduced in Gabriel's story. Torin let everyone know that she was his fated mate regardless of the differences.
It looks like Mother Faith will interconnct more species and House of Boker can be an option.
Torin did well by going to the therpaist for guidance is ragards to Nala. Meekah was guiding her for years and didnt seem to think of a way to get her to embrace her lioness.
I was glad to see that Nala and Cyra got past the insecurities to have a better relationship.
Loved this story of love, growth and patience.
August 6, 2025
Torin and Nala
Awesome page turner as we go on a journey with Torin and Nala as they fight for their love and happiness
Tessa wrote a wonderful story about Torin holding onto to the love he had for Nala sine they were cubs.
Their love just got stronger as they grew into adulthood
There were obstacles that tried to keep them apart but love overcame
You will find excitement, betrayal and forgiveness
But Tessa brings it all together and leaves you with a feeling of hope and joy for the ending of Nala and Torin story.
Now onto Aaron’s story
Tessa you create these wonderful worlds that we don’t want leave
Please continue to bless us with these fantastic stories.
Awesome page turner as we go on a journey with Torin and Nala as they fight for their love and happiness
Tessa wrote a wonderful story about Torin holding onto to the love he had for Nala sine they were cubs.
Their love just got stronger as they grew into adulthood
There were obstacles that tried to keep them apart but love overcame
You will find excitement, betrayal and forgiveness
But Tessa brings it all together and leaves you with a feeling of hope and joy for the ending of Nala and Torin story.
Now onto Aaron’s story
Tessa you create these wonderful worlds that we don’t want leave
Please continue to bless us with these fantastic stories.
October 8, 2025
End of a series
Freeing Nala marks the end of the Wintermoon series, but the beginning of the Wintermoon Academy series. Tessa Stone is starting a new chapter with the now adult children of Wintermoon . We were introduced to Nala and Torin as children and now they’re adults.
They arrived at Wintermoon as orphans, who knew they were faded mates from the moment they met. Now they are adults and they have to navigate what it means to be mated as well as grow in their leadership roles. They will be the adult leaders in the new series which will follow the offspring of mated pairs from this series.
Freeing Nala marks the end of the Wintermoon series, but the beginning of the Wintermoon Academy series. Tessa Stone is starting a new chapter with the now adult children of Wintermoon . We were introduced to Nala and Torin as children and now they’re adults.
They arrived at Wintermoon as orphans, who knew they were faded mates from the moment they met. Now they are adults and they have to navigate what it means to be mated as well as grow in their leadership roles. They will be the adult leaders in the new series which will follow the offspring of mated pairs from this series.
July 25, 2025
Tears and More Tears
It was wonderful and heart wrenching to read this last story of Fated Mates. Of course, I want it to go on forever. Nala and Torin went from surviving to thriving. Torin never lost hope and accepted learning as part of life. I was happy to see Nicole show up briefly in this story. I will need to take a break before starting the new series. I just want to bask in thinking about the characters who have filled my time reading and thinking about my challenges and growth. Thank you for bringing me in the each characters’ world.
It was wonderful and heart wrenching to read this last story of Fated Mates. Of course, I want it to go on forever. Nala and Torin went from surviving to thriving. Torin never lost hope and accepted learning as part of life. I was happy to see Nicole show up briefly in this story. I will need to take a break before starting the new series. I just want to bask in thinking about the characters who have filled my time reading and thinking about my challenges and growth. Thank you for bringing me in the each characters’ world.
December 31, 2025
This book is a breath of fresh air after reading all the 4 books in the Vampire tales series. It was everything I liked about the fated mates series. I loved seeing all the characters I loved from the first books and seem their family age.
Nala
I would of loved to have seen her go to college and do more with her life than just have kids and be the Luna. My favorite female characters are those who find the balance of being a mom and not giving up on their dreams. I wish that Nala would of done research into all the species she's suppose to be Luna over, how can she know nothing about their culture not even her mates.
Torin
I wanted to see more of Torin and him bringing everyone closer, even in his own pack there are still species division. I wanted to see him make more of proactive effort for them to integrate with one another. I hated that he left people in his pack talk bad about his mate, he should of put a stop to it sooner. He should of told her from the beginning if disrespect her I will kick you out in a heartbeat.
Ending
The end of this book finally brings us to what I been waiting for, the Witching Glen and the Blackwood coven. I been asking for so many books now what happened to them, what's next for them. I'm sure they are not all evil, I'm sure some are worth saving and rebuilding. I can't wait for the next books.
Nala
I would of loved to have seen her go to college and do more with her life than just have kids and be the Luna. My favorite female characters are those who find the balance of being a mom and not giving up on their dreams. I wish that Nala would of done research into all the species she's suppose to be Luna over, how can she know nothing about their culture not even her mates.
Torin
I wanted to see more of Torin and him bringing everyone closer, even in his own pack there are still species division. I wanted to see him make more of proactive effort for them to integrate with one another. I hated that he left people in his pack talk bad about his mate, he should of put a stop to it sooner. He should of told her from the beginning if disrespect her I will kick you out in a heartbeat.
Ending
The end of this book finally brings us to what I been waiting for, the Witching Glen and the Blackwood coven. I been asking for so many books now what happened to them, what's next for them. I'm sure they are not all evil, I'm sure some are worth saving and rebuilding. I can't wait for the next books.
July 19, 2025
this book was so sweet it gave me cavities. its a little bittersweet thou after following the series to see the end makes me sad but i can't wait for the next books.
also i would love to see if the author considers some day doing the wintermoon story without the loves stories only centering in the conflict with wintermoon and the wars mentioned in the books. i think it would be a really cool book with the details that go on the backgrounds of the last books.
also i would love to see if the author considers some day doing the wintermoon story without the loves stories only centering in the conflict with wintermoon and the wars mentioned in the books. i think it would be a really cool book with the details that go on the backgrounds of the last books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
Young Love
Torin and Nala story is so beautifully written. How they grew up, but always love one another. I love how Torin went away to provide for Nara and become a better man for her, then came back to get her. And the ceremony and babies at the end…just warms my heart. I can’t wait til the Winter moon academy series.
Torin and Nala story is so beautifully written. How they grew up, but always love one another. I love how Torin went away to provide for Nara and become a better man for her, then came back to get her. And the ceremony and babies at the end…just warms my heart. I can’t wait til the Winter moon academy series.
October 15, 2025
LOVED IT
Perfect way to end the Fated Mates series!! This was such an amazing ride from start to finish. It’s bittersweet seeing it come to a close, but I’m so excited for the Academy books! I absolutely loved Torrin and Nala. Remembering how young they were in Claiming Gabriel was surreal. This was everything I hoped for and more!!
Perfect way to end the Fated Mates series!! This was such an amazing ride from start to finish. It’s bittersweet seeing it come to a close, but I’m so excited for the Academy books! I absolutely loved Torrin and Nala. Remembering how young they were in Claiming Gabriel was surreal. This was everything I hoped for and more!!
December 5, 2025
Wow, I really enjoyed Nala and torin’s love story! How they both came from hardship and didn’t let their past traumas ruin their future. Loved how Nala found solutions for her and Cyra to work together for the pack. Torin made me smile the whole story there wasn’t nothing he wouldn’t do to make sure his mate was happy, smiling, and protected. 10/10🔥
July 20, 2025
Loved it
I have wanted this book to happen since these to characters we introduced as mated orphan children of two different species. This was a beautiful love story that overcame many challenges.
I have wanted this book to happen since these to characters we introduced as mated orphan children of two different species. This was a beautiful love story that overcame many challenges.
July 22, 2025
loved it
This book had everything I thought it would have and then some. Nala and Torin’s story was so beautiful and the ending of their story was so satisfying and emotional. Everyone should read this book.
This book had everything I thought it would have and then some. Nala and Torin’s story was so beautiful and the ending of their story was so satisfying and emotional. Everyone should read this book.
August 14, 2025
free at last!!!
Nala n Torin story was beautiful!!! Minimum drama with Cyra👊🏽so glad they mended their issues. Along with Aaron the best friend.
Winter moon series is fire!!! loved it!
Nala n Torin story was beautiful!!! Minimum drama with Cyra👊🏽so glad they mended their issues. Along with Aaron the best friend.
Winter moon series is fire!!! loved it!
September 15, 2025
full circle beautifully done
Absolutely loved seeing Torin and Nala as adults after seeing them s children. A beautiful journey of individual growth and self discovery as well as their couple journey. Really excited for the Wintermoon Academy stories to come!
Absolutely loved seeing Torin and Nala as adults after seeing them s children. A beautiful journey of individual growth and self discovery as well as their couple journey. Really excited for the Wintermoon Academy stories to come!
September 28, 2025
❤ the Series
This has been some ride, I'm glad Torin n Nala got their happy ending throughout all the tribes and tribulations they endured. And I look forward to the mateism ( a made up word😂) of the new chapter of mates in Wintermoon. Kudos to the author
This has been some ride, I'm glad Torin n Nala got their happy ending throughout all the tribes and tribulations they endured. And I look forward to the mateism ( a made up word😂) of the new chapter of mates in Wintermoon. Kudos to the author
October 17, 2025
it’s truly the end
I loved this series. Some books more than others and while I liked Torin and Nala getting their own story, I believe this book was way too long. But fitting for an end to the Mated series. I loved everyone!!!
I loved this series. Some books more than others and while I liked Torin and Nala getting their own story, I believe this book was way too long. But fitting for an end to the Mated series. I loved everyone!!!
July 21, 2025
Amazing!!
This author never let's me down once again she has written a great book I love these characters and I can't wait to read more
This author never let's me down once again she has written a great book I love these characters and I can't wait to read more
July 26, 2025
Love them all
This series was one of the best I read in a long time . I have been reading different authors in the last 42 years , and I have to say yes queen yessss
This series was one of the best I read in a long time . I have been reading different authors in the last 42 years , and I have to say yes queen yessss
August 7, 2025
Nice wrap up to a series that I hate to see end!!!
August 12, 2025
Another Head Banga
I have read every WinterMoon series. I love ❤️ it. Beautiful 😍 Series I tell ya. I'm so ready for Aaron story..
I have read every WinterMoon series. I love ❤️ it. Beautiful 😍 Series I tell ya. I'm so ready for Aaron story..
November 17, 2025
definitely a slow burn but worth it
This one was a little hard to get into just because I’ve always seen Torrin and Nala as kids. But it was a sweet story and I loved it
This one was a little hard to get into just because I’ve always seen Torrin and Nala as kids. But it was a sweet story and I loved it
November 24, 2025
Nice sweet story. Great introduction to the Wintermoon Academy series.
July 25, 2025
❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥
I was patiently waiting for this book to drop. I wanted to read their love story & I wasn’t disappointed at all. Every young love has a story behind it and theirs was worth telling.
I was patiently waiting for this book to drop. I wanted to read their love story & I wasn’t disappointed at all. Every young love has a story behind it and theirs was worth telling.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews