Hitched to the Wendigo

by Eden Ember

When a human herbalist is DNA-matched to a wendigo warrior, she must choose between the safety of her terramare past and the savage love of a monster who might devour her heart—literally.
In a world where humans are forced to DNA-match with monsters, a defiant terramare herbalist faces her worst marriage to a wendigo warrior. But when Sakira discovers her fearsome mate Eryx possesses both the power to destroy her and the gentleness to heal her past wounds, she begins to question everything she was taught about monsters. As rival tribes threaten their territory and human resistance fighters pressure her to betray him, Sakira must decide if she'll embrace the savage love of a creature she once feared or lose the only person who's ever made her feel truly safe in their dangerous world.


Monster Matchmaking Series is a spin-off series of the bestselling Arranged Monster Mates. Each book travels to the terrifying world where humans must mate with monsters in order to survive. Guaranteed a HEA.
Monster Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy Romance. Spicy romance.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

About the author

Eden Ember has found her passion is writing sci-fi romance and fantasy. She’s working on several books right now, with more to come.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/edenemberauthor

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/edenember/

Reviews

[Chantel Hamm · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story, I feel like it would’ve been so much better as a full out novel with more detail. This has so much potential.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hitched to the Wendigo is the first book in Eden Ember's newest paranormal/monster romance series, Monster Matchmaking.

For those familiar with Ember's series Arranged Monster Mates, from which this is a spin off, you will have a fair idea of the direction this story takes. If you're a sucker for finding a story where fearsome mythical beings are just like you and me (and are just misunderstood) in the world of the author, then this is the story for you.

Sakira is a human female, she is a herbalist that has a passion for healing. She has been sent to the local temple to take a blood test, where the monks and priests make a DNA analysis to match human women if their perfect monster. The frightening moment comes when she realises that she is mated to a wendigo, monsters that she fears because it was a wendigo that killed her sister many years ago.

The wendigo in question is Eryx. He is an older wendigo, a couple hundred years old, and while he knows his people have earned their fearsome reputation, he thinks it's about time that they learn to live with the humans nearby. He is thrilled when he matched to Sakira, he has seen her from afar, and when the results come back from the temple Eryx is ready to make everything work for his new mate.

What I loved most about this book was not just the love that builds between Sakira and Eryx, but they are also working on something much bigger than the two of them. They try to show Eryx's clan that humans aren't weak and can work side by side with the wendigo. They are seeking to create a bridge between the two beings to show that peace is not only possible but it is achievable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hitched to the Wendigo is the first book of the Monster Matchmaking series which takes place in a world of humans and monsters, and where the monsters rule.
DNA matched marriages are forced, not an option and for Wendigo Warrior Eryx who is scouting his territory after picking up an intruder Wendigo’s scent, his life is about to change as he tracks the scent close to the human settlement of Terramare where another scent soon overrides the first, a woman working in a herb garden, whom he knows in that moment is his genetic match!
When his communication device issues an alert from the Magna Terra overseers with a confirmation of what he already knows, and the location as Terramare, it is time for a claiming.
MFC Sakira who had lost her younger sister at the hands of a rogue Wendigo is now being forced matched to one of them which was not welcome or wanted, but for the sake of her people she would go through the Wendigo claiming ceremony after Eryx comes for her.
This was an entertaining story with nice writing, world building, and characters that filled the pages with danger, intrigue, action, adventure, monster romance, spice, and acceptance.
Eryx and Sakira were perfectly matched, and I enjoyed joining them on their journey to bring both their people together in unity, and finding love along the way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story although it was not what I expected going in. I read a lot of smutty monster romance where the focus is mostly on the relationship/sex and the plot is very tight, but this story while not total fade to black is pretty close for the sex and the story extends pretty far into the future. Not to say this is a bad thing, it was actually a very nice change of pace and Eryx and Sakira’s relationship was very loving and sweet.

POSSIBLE MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!

I took off 1 star because I felt Sakira’s backstory with why she hates wendigo was kinda brought up and then brushed under the rug, it felt like it should have had a bigger impact in the beginning of their relationship but aside from them bringing it up once later it wasn’t mentioned again.

While I loved the world building I was also confused at times. So there is a group trying to unite the wendigos and humans and a group that’s against it, but the against group is made of both species working together? Also the whole genetic match forced monster bride thing that brought the main couple together also disappeared after the beginning and it just felt odd the way everyone seemed against it but yet there is also a whole agency facilitating it?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryk and Sakira’s Story . . .

In his search for a Wendigo who should not be in his territory, Eryk comes across another scent that grabs his attention. In this world, humans are DNA-matched to monsters and Wendigo warrior Eryk finds a human herbalist, Sakira, has been matched to him. Sakira’s sister had been killed by one of them, so this is not something she wants and is in fact afraid of him. But when he comes to claim her, he is not what she had expected. Despite his obvious power, she senses a gentle nature as well and a thoughtful gift intended to please her when he learns how she uses healing herbs. When she is asked to betray him, will she choose to do what they ask of her? Or will she accept his love and become his mate? And can their actions bring their people together at last?

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A warmth spread through my chest at her words. It wasn't love, not yet. But it was a start.'

I loved the Arranged Monster Mates series, so I was excited for this spin-off. I loved both Eryx and Sakira. He'd seen her from afar and she captivated him. Sakira had every reason to fear the wendigo after what had happened. But her village had agreed on the DNA matches, and she had no choice but to except to keep her family safe.

I loved how sweet, patient, and caring he was with her. He didn't want her to be afraid or disappointed. And she began to see he was nothing like the monster she expected. She didn't cower in the face of adversity and their bond grew. I was hooked to the story and wish it was longer. Excited for more in this series and I'd love for more with the wendigos. 5 stars.

[DARYLLE MHAE SORIANO · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hitched to the Wendigo (Monster Matchmaking Series Book 1)
I decided to give another Eden Ember story a try because I was intrigued by the idea of a Wendigo romance. After struggling a bit with her stories in Arranged Monster Marriage Series, I hoped this one would be different—but I still found the timeline and flow quite confusing.

The concept and overall plot are interesting, and I really appreciate that the author chose to write a story featuring a Wendigo, which is rare to see. However, the pacing and time jumps made it hard to follow what was happening and when, leaving me questioning the sequence of events in almost every chapter.

Still, I’m thankful to the author for creating a story centered around such an uncommon creature—it’s a creative idea that definitely caught my attention.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sakira (h), a human healer with a painful past, is genetically matched to Eryx (H), a powerful wendigo chief, neither is ready for what’s ahead. Forced into an uneasy alliance, they navigate cultural divides, old traumas, and rising tensions between their people. As their bond deepens, they become more than a couple, they become a symbol. From brutal battles to fragile peace talks and the birth of a child that could unite two worlds or tear them apart, Sakira and Eryx fight not just for love, but for a future that doesn’t yet exist. A steamy monster-human romance, exploring connection, unity, identity, survival, trust, and breaking generational fear to bring two worlds together and build peace where war once thrived.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden is one of the many authors that I will read no matter what it is. She has the amazing ability to make you feel as if you are right inthe midst of the ordeal and feel the change as they are experienceing it.

This story had a Beauty and the Beast feel with a little Romeo and Juliet. I felt like the divide was not as wide as the wendigos and the human fighting against each ther made it. There was love and apprehension and fear but I think it was more on both side from the not knowing.

I am looking forward to more from her new series....checkout her monster arranged marriage series..it is soo good!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of the coming together of two species, as led by the union of a Wendigo man and a human woman. Their fated coupling has a rocky start, but patience and determination lead to respect and caring. Sakira is a strong, brave woman with a knowledge of healing herbs and a questing mind which makes her want to learn more about Wendigo medicine and culture. Eryx is a wise leader of his people, who supports Sakira in her quest and respects her ideas. There are conflicts and struggles, but they work together to secure peace and unity for their peoples.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun dive into the Monster Matchmaking series and this one had a wild twist. Sakira, gentle herbalist, gets tested and it matched to Eryx, a Wendigo. Unfortunately, a Wendigo killed her sister so you know they're off to a rocky start. However, these two work together to help her people and to show his that Humans aren't as weak as they think. This was a great journey for them, filled with adventure, action, danger, acceptance and steamy romance. Definitely entertaining and engaging and I'm looking forward to the next book :D

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sakria is matched with Eryx she is terrified. They are from very different back grounds , but gradually the begin to grow closer. Both Sakria and Eryx are strong characters and they need to be, the challenges they face from both the humans and the Wendigo to their union are many. This is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

When They Come Together

Eden weaves us a story full of old prejudices and thoughts. A fantasy with a fierce beast and a sassy human are mixed together in what fate call destiny.
From the beginning to the end watch the shift in thoughts. The bulid of passion. The show of strength not only in battle but in/for each other. You can feel the hope, the love. Battles rages, the new the old.
I really liked this lesson within the story.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I loved the read, there were a few things that didn't make sense but where there is a will there's a way. Hmmmm major conflict that puts our MFC on edge but our monster is not having any of it. He is will to do the work to make sure she understands each monster is different and unique! SO is his love. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryx is the wendigo groom to his human bride Sakira. They start out on worried beginning. The misgivings on both sides about the other side are big but with time and a few small moments they soon find their connection. The people around them need to be shown the way to comingling but throughout the book there are more and more steps towards peace between these two people.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She is a healer and she finds out that she is matched to the creature she fears most. But he is just like everyone else can be fierce but also lovable. I love that they build a bridge between the humans and the wendigos. Hopefully more of the race will find their human counterparts.

[Jessica Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main is forced into an arranged marriage with an Wendigo warrior because she is 99 percent dna matched to him . She’s his perfect mate . He’s a protective alpha type . They end up falling in love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some plot holes going on in this story. Nothing too major just somethings that should be reworked and fixed. The beginning is the biggest one to me and i had to push though it and almost dnf. Other than that it's a great book

[Natassja Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay, i wanted more story and development with the characters. I think i may have had high expectations as i have liked ever other Eden Ember book i have read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and entertaining read

This is a sweet story of how a human female and a Wendigo leader come together to make a difference for their people. There is a happy ending. Read On!

[-ˏˋ D ˊˎ- · Rating 2 out of 5]

“How does one court a human woman when you're a seven-foot-tall monster with glowing red eyes and sharp claws?”
-Eryx, from Hitched to the Wendigo by Eden Ember

[Bella A · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @42%
Fade to black and not a ton of character development, entire story felt rushed

[Rebekah Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man! I thought this was going to be better. It was way too rushed. Too many times I found myself questioning “When did that happen?” So many plot jumps and gaps.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Loved Sakira, her strength and determination as her life changed. Eryx was so yummy, even though a strong wendigo and leader, he and Sakira were perfect for each other. They had battles to fight and win, changing their people's perspectives as they came together. The ending was perfect 😊 but would have liked seeing more couple's form. 😁 I do hope there will be more.

[Iluvbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The challenge that Sakira and Eryx faced not only with each other but with both humans and Wendigo's. This story progressed fast and kept me interested. I like the strength and caring both characters had. There were some errors in the story. During a fight she was cut nothing more said about it. Also the beginning of the book was odd as well. He sees her from the mountain then gets a communication about her. It then goes to her being texted for a genetic match. They seemed so advanced with genetic testing - yet the healers have to look around for herbs etc. Which is good but still. Also she was given a communication device to use but that seemed to just never be a part of the story. There were other odd things as well that should have been addressed in editing. But overall it was a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Blackeyes17 · Rating 1 out of 5]

It just keeps repeating itself. do not read