The Wolf Den, 1

I just reviewed the Wolf Den by Elodie Harper

Amara was sold into slavery after her doctor father dies and her mother could not support them both. Having to work in one of the most infamous brothels, Amara with her intelligence and natural musical talents, finds a way of becoming more than just a piece of meat for the men who pay for her.
After finding a man she may be able to con into helping her become a free woman, she has to do what she has to do to save herself from the clutches of Felix, a man so ruthless he doesn't care who he hurts to get his weight in denaris.

A historical fiction set in Pompeii, it follows the lives of Amara, Victoria, Dido, Cressida and others as they cope with the unsavory living and working conditions for a man called Felix. A violent man with a temper, all the women have come from different starts but all care for each other in their own ways.
Amara having been taught by her Father, she has an abundance of knowledge that helps her get the edge at the brothel. She starts to see a higher caliber of men and works some side hustles for Felix, a man you start off really hating and about 3/4s of the way through you see something you really don't want to see in him but it makes you hate him a little less.

Amara is such a diverse character and I love her rawness. She came from something and had to find a way to cope being at the bottom of the food chain. I have to admit I don't like her methods for having an easier time of life but you can't fault her. I also felt the ending, even though she got what she wanted, was so hollow.

This book broke me a little inside at the life these women had to live and the complexities of their positions in a world they shouldn't have had to live in. I was beside myself with joy when I realized this was the first book in a trilogy! I am so excited to see what comes next from these she-wolves.

4.5 stars for me. It was a very well written historical fiction with brilliantly executed character development. I would love to know more about Dido in the next book so fingers crossed for that!
If you love a solid historical fiction page turner with a little romance and a lot of grit, this is the book for you!

Thank you Netgalley and Union square and co for my Advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review