Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Here is a summary with spoilers for Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Emeline spends her life alone. At 27 years old, she was cast away from her biological family because of her defect. If she were ever seen, the Illum, an elite and elusive group, would outcast her entire family. Because of her banishment, she is forced to live in a catastrophic world, one where she is owned and used by the Illum. They monitor Emeline’s health constantly, as she could be vital to the procreation and population boost the planet needs.

While Emeline is sorting ancient art as her job, her life changes. She has been chosen by an Illum and will be used to help populate the Earth. After much preparation to meet this man, Emeline becomes scared. She is expected to be meek, submissive, and never ask questions, a list of things she is not. When she is finally presented, she meets her new mate, Collin, who has never taken a mate before.

Emeline cannot understand why she was chosen. On top of that, Collin treats her somewhat normally. He asks her opinion, wants to treat her well, and slowly Emeline begins to trust him, all of which is part of the courting process. One day, however, things begin to change when she meets Hal, one of the resistance leaders. She enjoys her time with Hal, and even though she is falling for Collin, she still likes spending time with Hal.

While out with Collin, Emeline runs into someone who looks just like her. That is when she realizes her family is still alive and likely important within the Illum. Collin helps her search for them in hopes of mending relationships. A dinner is arranged for Emeline to meet her family. That night, as Emeline is getting ready, two things happen. First, the dress Collin gives her is one only Illum wear, and though she dislikes it, she has no other option. Second, Collin cancels at the last minute, forcing Emeline to attend alone.

Her family is immediately judgmental, especially her oldest brother and her father. At one point, her father even says it is a shame that Emeline was a defect. Unable to endure any more of their cruelty, Emeline storms out. On her way home, she has a panic attack, only to feel a strong arm around her. It is Hal, there to comfort her. He stays the night, and the two get to know each other better.

The next morning, no one can know Hal was there, especially since Emeline is supposed to be courting Collin. Hal sneaks out, and Emeline is taken by her brother to see Collin, who has just returned.

Collin then presents Emeline to his community and seals it with a kiss. It is her first kiss, and she feels like an object put on display. Later, Hal tells her she cannot be just a plaything and that she was meant for far more. He urges her to look closely at how Collin treats her. Yes, it is better than what she endured before, but it is still not right. Emeline begins to see the truth in Hal’s words. Soon after, she realizes Hal is gone and may have said goodbye without her even knowing it.

Curious about Collin, Emeline begins investigating. She asks her ladies’ maids about their upbringing and about the Illum. They tell her about children being taken from their homes, often without their parents ever knowing. Her fears deepen when she attends a meeting with Collin and witnesses him convict someone to death who did not deserve it. Emeline decides to seek out the underground, where she has heard a group is trying to take the Illum down. She wants to help.

As she sneaks away, Emeline is knocked unconscious. When she wakes, Hal is there, furious that she would risk her life to join the organization. He tells her that if she truly wants to help, she must return to the surface and continue pretending to be Collin’s mate. He will visit her in secret to gather information.

Back in her normal, boring routine, Emeline unexpectedly befriends her brother Greg. He often rescues her from miserable parties and functions, especially as she grows more tired of being around Collin. Collin begins to notice that something has changed in Emeline and confronts her during a party. He kisses her, and she kisses him back. Later, she manages to slip away briefly when she realizes Hal is also at the party, allowing them a short reunion.

One day, Hal manages to take down the wards, meaning Emeline can leave despite her tracker. He brings her to the underground so she can experience a day of freedom. They spend time together and eventually go to his room. Emeline makes the choice to let Hal be her first, and he agrees.

Later that evening, Emeline notices a folder labeled with her nickname, “Moonlight.” Inside is detailed information about her and how easy it would be to manipulate her. Devastated, she confronts Hal when he returns. He admits that was his original plan, but insists he truly fell in love with her. Emeline does not know what to believe, but their argument is cut short when the wards suddenly reactivate. They rush Emeline back before her absence is noticed. Before they part, Hal asks her to hang on and promises he will return with the answers she deserves.

At the next party, Collin insists Emeline attend with him. While dancing, he makes ominous remarks. Suddenly, a woman named Tabitha and several soldiers drag Hal into the room, beaten and restrained. Tabitha announces that they have captured the Reaper, and claims the only reason he was caught is because Emeline helped bring him in. She declares that Emeline orchestrated the capture through her spying and rewards her with full elite status.

The room is shocked, including Emeline herself. She tries to look at Hal to show him it is not true, but after one brief glance between them, Tabitha takes Hal away, leaving Emeline to wonder what she will do next.