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In Vitro
The Hippocratic Oath dictates, “First, do no harm,” but what if success demands it?
The calm and compassionate Dr. Joyce Porter is proud to work at McArthur Fertility Institute, where miracles happen every day. Couples determined to conceive flock to the clinic, drawn by its unmatched IVF success rate and glowing reputation.
But behind the clinic’s shining facade lies a disturbing secret. When another doctor mentions a peculiarity in the facility’s methods, Joyce investigates. What she discovers is worse than she could have imagined. Now, she must decide whether to confront the institute’s renowned director about his unscrupulous deeds or compromise her ethics by turning a blind eye. She knows staying silent could destroy people’s lives, but speaking out could destroy hers.
As the line between healing and harm blurs, Joyce must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her patients, her integrity, and the future she still hopes to build.
The calm and compassionate Dr. Joyce Porter is proud to work at McArthur Fertility Institute, where miracles happen every day. Couples determined to conceive flock to the clinic, drawn by its unmatched IVF success rate and glowing reputation.
But behind the clinic’s shining facade lies a disturbing secret. When another doctor mentions a peculiarity in the facility’s methods, Joyce investigates. What she discovers is worse than she could have imagined. Now, she must decide whether to confront the institute’s renowned director about his unscrupulous deeds or compromise her ethics by turning a blind eye. She knows staying silent could destroy people’s lives, but speaking out could destroy hers.
As the line between healing and harm blurs, Joyce must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her patients, her integrity, and the future she still hopes to build.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 28, 2025
*paperback
TW: SA, Drugs, Alcohol, shady medical practices and abuse of power, ethical dilemmas
“Forewarned is forearmed.” I love this quote and in the context it’s written it’s powerful.
Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
This book has several storylines intertwined. It’s not just about a fertility clinic and ethical violations at the clinic…it goes beyond that. There are clear abuses of power throughout the story.
I liked seeing the FMC find her inner strength and how she and her partner were able to grow as a couple to see everything through.
TW: SA, Drugs, Alcohol, shady medical practices and abuse of power, ethical dilemmas
“Forewarned is forearmed.” I love this quote and in the context it’s written it’s powerful.
Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
This book has several storylines intertwined. It’s not just about a fertility clinic and ethical violations at the clinic…it goes beyond that. There are clear abuses of power throughout the story.
I liked seeing the FMC find her inner strength and how she and her partner were able to grow as a couple to see everything through.
November 27, 2025
This one was pretty disturbing. Major trigger warnings in this one. I would not recommend to anyone who has undergone IVF. The themes and central conflict in this one is a little bit too plausible for comfort. All in all, it was a quick read, with good pacing. I did not love one of the subplots that had to do with the main characters marriage; I personally don’t think it was necessary. The emotional payoff by the end wasn’t really worth that storyline, in my opinion.
June 28, 2026
M.J. Kuhar’s In Vitro is a medical drama built around one of the most intimate hopes a couple can carry: the hope of becoming parents. The novel opens with McArthur Fertility Institute already under investigation, then moves back two months to show how the crisis began. That structure gives the story an immediate sense of tension, but the heart of the book is personal. Evie and Leon Coleman’s longing for a baby, Joyce Porter’s devotion to her patients, and the quiet pressure inside a prestigious fertility clinic all come together in a story about trust, ambition, consent, and the emotional weight of reproductive medicine.
Joyce is the character who holds the book together. She’s smart, compassionate, anxious, ambitious, and deeply human in the way she second-guesses herself while still trying to do right by her patients. Her work at McArthur puts her in the middle of ethical questions that grow more serious with every chapter, but Kuhar also makes room for her marriage to Bill, her friendship with Sally, her attraction to Dominique, and her ongoing struggle to be heard in a workplace shaped by hierarchy and ego. The smaller domestic details, like phone calls, coffee, cats, and rushed lunches, make Joyce feel like a real person rather than just the doctor at the center of a scandal.
The strongest parts of the novel are the scenes where medicine and emotion collide. Kuhar clearly understands the procedures, the language, and the rhythms of a fertility clinic, but the book stays grounded in the people whose lives are changed by those procedures. Evie and Leon’s early tenderness gives the story its emotional anchor, especially when Leon tells her, “Evie, I love you. No matter what.” That line captures the couple’s sweetness while also foreshadowing how much their love will be tested once the clinic’s secrets begin to surface.
The darker thread of the book comes through Owen Hicks, whose obsession with reputation and success poisons the culture around him. His command to “Stay the course and keep those pregnancy rates up” says a lot about the world he’s created, one where numbers matter more than people. Kuhar builds the tension steadily as Joyce begins to understand that the problems at McArthur aren’t isolated mistakes. They’re part of a larger pattern of abuse, secrecy, and institutional self-protection. The result is a story that reads like a workplace drama, a medical mystery, and a moral reckoning all at once.
In Vitro is a compassionate and accessible novel about infertility, medical ethics, and the courage it takes to challenge powerful people. It gives readers the emotional reality of IVF from several angles: the couples who want children, the doctors who want to help, and the administrators who want the clinic’s success story to stay intact. Kuhar’s conversational style keeps the story easy to follow even when the stakes get heavy, and the ending gives the characters space to reckon with what happened and imagine a life beyond McArthur. It’s the kind of book that invites readers to care about the science because they already care about the people.
Joyce is the character who holds the book together. She’s smart, compassionate, anxious, ambitious, and deeply human in the way she second-guesses herself while still trying to do right by her patients. Her work at McArthur puts her in the middle of ethical questions that grow more serious with every chapter, but Kuhar also makes room for her marriage to Bill, her friendship with Sally, her attraction to Dominique, and her ongoing struggle to be heard in a workplace shaped by hierarchy and ego. The smaller domestic details, like phone calls, coffee, cats, and rushed lunches, make Joyce feel like a real person rather than just the doctor at the center of a scandal.
The strongest parts of the novel are the scenes where medicine and emotion collide. Kuhar clearly understands the procedures, the language, and the rhythms of a fertility clinic, but the book stays grounded in the people whose lives are changed by those procedures. Evie and Leon’s early tenderness gives the story its emotional anchor, especially when Leon tells her, “Evie, I love you. No matter what.” That line captures the couple’s sweetness while also foreshadowing how much their love will be tested once the clinic’s secrets begin to surface.
The darker thread of the book comes through Owen Hicks, whose obsession with reputation and success poisons the culture around him. His command to “Stay the course and keep those pregnancy rates up” says a lot about the world he’s created, one where numbers matter more than people. Kuhar builds the tension steadily as Joyce begins to understand that the problems at McArthur aren’t isolated mistakes. They’re part of a larger pattern of abuse, secrecy, and institutional self-protection. The result is a story that reads like a workplace drama, a medical mystery, and a moral reckoning all at once.
In Vitro is a compassionate and accessible novel about infertility, medical ethics, and the courage it takes to challenge powerful people. It gives readers the emotional reality of IVF from several angles: the couples who want children, the doctors who want to help, and the administrators who want the clinic’s success story to stay intact. Kuhar’s conversational style keeps the story easy to follow even when the stakes get heavy, and the ending gives the characters space to reckon with what happened and imagine a life beyond McArthur. It’s the kind of book that invites readers to care about the science because they already care about the people.
December 5, 2025
Release: Dec 9, 2026
Author: M.J. Kuhar
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
Rating: 3.75 ★
Summary
Dr. Joyce Porter has always taken pride in her work at the prestigious McArthur Fertility Institute—a place widely celebrated for giving hope to struggling couples and boasting some of the best IVF success rates in the country. Calm, empathetic, and deeply committed to her patients, Joyce believes she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
But when a colleague casually mentions something odd about the clinic’s medical practices, Joyce’s curiosity turns into alarm. Her quiet investigation uncovers a disturbing truth hidden beneath the institute’s polished reputation. What she finds not only threatens to shatter the image of the clinic she loves, but also puts her own moral compass to the test.
Joyce now faces an impossible dilemma: expose the unethical actions of the institute’s revered director—risking her career, her safety, and everything she’s built—or remain silent and allow innocent families to be harmed in ways they can’t even imagine. As she grapples with the weight of her discovery, the once-clear boundary between healing and harming blurs, forcing her to decide what integrity is truly worth.
Review
This story blends medical ethics, suspense, and emotional depth into a gripping narrative that feels both timely and unsettling. What makes the book so effective is how grounded it is in real-world dilemmas—Joyce isn’t a superhero or a thriller stereotype; she’s an everyday doctor trying to do the right thing in an environment where doing the right thing could cost her everything.
The setting of a fertility clinic adds a unique tension. There’s something inherently high-stakes about reproductive medicine, and the book uses that to full effect, highlighting both the hope and desperation that surround it. When Joyce uncovers the institute’s secret, the sense of betrayal isn’t just professional—it’s personal, because she truly believes in the mission of helping families.
The ethical conflict is the heart of the story. The author does a great job showing the internal tug-of-war Joyce experiences: her duty to her patients, her fear of damaging her career, and the emotional toll of standing up to a powerful institution. It makes her journey feel relatable and emotionally resonant.
The pacing builds steadily, layering suspense without sacrificing character development. As Joyce weighs her options, the sense of looming danger and moral urgency keeps the story tense and engaging. It’s the kind of book that makes you ask yourself what you would do in her position.
Overall, this is a compelling, thought-provoking medical suspense novel that examines the cost of truth, the pressure to stay silent, and the courage it takes to challenge the systems meant to protect us. A great choice for readers who enjoy ethical dilemmas, character-driven tension, and stories that blur the line between right and wrong.
Favorite Quote:
“Turning a blind eye may protect you today, but it destroys the people who trusted you tomorrow.”
Author: M.J. Kuhar
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
Rating: 3.75 ★
Summary
Dr. Joyce Porter has always taken pride in her work at the prestigious McArthur Fertility Institute—a place widely celebrated for giving hope to struggling couples and boasting some of the best IVF success rates in the country. Calm, empathetic, and deeply committed to her patients, Joyce believes she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
But when a colleague casually mentions something odd about the clinic’s medical practices, Joyce’s curiosity turns into alarm. Her quiet investigation uncovers a disturbing truth hidden beneath the institute’s polished reputation. What she finds not only threatens to shatter the image of the clinic she loves, but also puts her own moral compass to the test.
Joyce now faces an impossible dilemma: expose the unethical actions of the institute’s revered director—risking her career, her safety, and everything she’s built—or remain silent and allow innocent families to be harmed in ways they can’t even imagine. As she grapples with the weight of her discovery, the once-clear boundary between healing and harming blurs, forcing her to decide what integrity is truly worth.
Review
This story blends medical ethics, suspense, and emotional depth into a gripping narrative that feels both timely and unsettling. What makes the book so effective is how grounded it is in real-world dilemmas—Joyce isn’t a superhero or a thriller stereotype; she’s an everyday doctor trying to do the right thing in an environment where doing the right thing could cost her everything.
The setting of a fertility clinic adds a unique tension. There’s something inherently high-stakes about reproductive medicine, and the book uses that to full effect, highlighting both the hope and desperation that surround it. When Joyce uncovers the institute’s secret, the sense of betrayal isn’t just professional—it’s personal, because she truly believes in the mission of helping families.
The ethical conflict is the heart of the story. The author does a great job showing the internal tug-of-war Joyce experiences: her duty to her patients, her fear of damaging her career, and the emotional toll of standing up to a powerful institution. It makes her journey feel relatable and emotionally resonant.
The pacing builds steadily, layering suspense without sacrificing character development. As Joyce weighs her options, the sense of looming danger and moral urgency keeps the story tense and engaging. It’s the kind of book that makes you ask yourself what you would do in her position.
Overall, this is a compelling, thought-provoking medical suspense novel that examines the cost of truth, the pressure to stay silent, and the courage it takes to challenge the systems meant to protect us. A great choice for readers who enjoy ethical dilemmas, character-driven tension, and stories that blur the line between right and wrong.
Favorite Quote:
“Turning a blind eye may protect you today, but it destroys the people who trusted you tomorrow.”
March 25, 2026
Modern medicine is a miracle, and for Dr. Joyce Porter, the miracle is extra-special - in her work at McArthur Fertility Institute, she gets to work with the best doctors and the most cutting-edge medicine to help couples expand their families against all odds. But behind the smiles, the successes, and the sensational reputation of the clinic lies a dark secret - and once discovered, Dr. Porter faces the conundrum of a career. Does she confront confront the institute’s renowned director about his unscrupulous deeds - likely leading to the clinic's shutdown, and the end of 'miracles' for her patients - or does she compromise her ethics by turning a blind eye to the clinic's processes, which bring so much joy to thousands of families?
While being a thriller, chock-full of tension, questionable ethics, and page-turning antics, it was also a joy to read. One of my biggest pet peeves in medical reading is picking up a book where you can tell the author has no idea what they're talking about, and it can really throw me out of enjoying what would probably otherwise be a compelling story. Even before I finished this book it was clear that M.J. Kuhar was a physician, as the attention to detail regarding the medical aspects of this book was incredible, thorough, and still accessible for lay readers, enhancing the medical realism of the plot while also allowing for a realistic thriller/suspense story (while also noting where the lines of science and fiction blurred, which I really appreciated). I strongly believe that you don't have to make up or guess at the medical world if wanting to write realistic medically-based fiction, and I hope the example of this author in writing a tale that is both engaging and realistic serves for other authors who wish to write in this genre.
While being a thriller, chock-full of tension, questionable ethics, and page-turning antics, it was also a joy to read. One of my biggest pet peeves in medical reading is picking up a book where you can tell the author has no idea what they're talking about, and it can really throw me out of enjoying what would probably otherwise be a compelling story. Even before I finished this book it was clear that M.J. Kuhar was a physician, as the attention to detail regarding the medical aspects of this book was incredible, thorough, and still accessible for lay readers, enhancing the medical realism of the plot while also allowing for a realistic thriller/suspense story (while also noting where the lines of science and fiction blurred, which I really appreciated). I strongly believe that you don't have to make up or guess at the medical world if wanting to write realistic medically-based fiction, and I hope the example of this author in writing a tale that is both engaging and realistic serves for other authors who wish to write in this genre.
December 15, 2025
This medical thriller follows Dr. Joyce Porter at the prestigious McArthur Fertility Institute, a place where couples grappling with the anguish of infertility seek a miracle. The highly ethical and hard working Joyce finds her professional world collapsing while her marriage is also suffering due to her husband's doctoral program requiring that he live in a different city.
Joyce is facing two distinct threats: sexual harassment from the powerful Dr. Hicks who is her mentor as well as the director of the institute and a parallel discovery concerning the clinic's insemination procedures. All along, she must also counsel and provide care to those couples undergoing in vitro fertilization.
The novel deals with the emotional issues surrounding infertility and the anguish of the couples as well as Joyce facing off with a sexual predator who happens to control her advancement and could sabotage her career if the secrets about the lab come out and blame is laid at her feet. The topic is timely and sometimes controversial always begging the question about whether or not we should do something even though we can.
I really enjoy novels that deal with medical situations, ethics, and science. Although not a thriller in the true sense of chills and suspense, there's enough action and plenty of disturbing scenes that elevate it beyond standard women's fiction. Moral dilemmas, workplace issues, ethical and criminal elements, and the emotional toll of infertility all make this appealing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Joyce is facing two distinct threats: sexual harassment from the powerful Dr. Hicks who is her mentor as well as the director of the institute and a parallel discovery concerning the clinic's insemination procedures. All along, she must also counsel and provide care to those couples undergoing in vitro fertilization.
The novel deals with the emotional issues surrounding infertility and the anguish of the couples as well as Joyce facing off with a sexual predator who happens to control her advancement and could sabotage her career if the secrets about the lab come out and blame is laid at her feet. The topic is timely and sometimes controversial always begging the question about whether or not we should do something even though we can.
I really enjoy novels that deal with medical situations, ethics, and science. Although not a thriller in the true sense of chills and suspense, there's enough action and plenty of disturbing scenes that elevate it beyond standard women's fiction. Moral dilemmas, workplace issues, ethical and criminal elements, and the emotional toll of infertility all make this appealing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
December 10, 2025
Dr. Kuhar's debut medical thriller is a resounding success, masterfully fusing her professional, clinical expertise as an OBGYN with suspense. From the very first page, I was absorbed in the journey of Joyce, the resilient protagonist navigating the stressful landscape of fertility treatments. The author's language is evocative, bringing Joyce's internal struggles and successes to life with a quality that is both lyrical and grounded in reality. Dr. Kuhar's deep, insider knowledge permeates the narrative, establishing an undeniable authenticity and drawing the reader into every scene whether that be with her creepy boss or her sometimes indifferent husband.
What distinguishes this book is its compelling approach to complex medical ethics—examining consent, commercialization, and moral ambiguity within IVF clinics—all while maintaining an exhilarating, rapid pace. It provokes thought without ever feeling didactic. The plot is rich with unexpected twists that defied my predictions, and the tension is expertly managed, leading to a deeply satisfying conclusion. Even amidst the thrills, the novel retains a profound warmth and humanity, elevating it beyond a simple page-turner.
This novel is essential reading for enthusiasts of the medical thriller genre. Dr. Kuhar is an exciting and compelling new voice, and I eagerly await her next publication. With my highest recommendation, this book earns a solid five stars!
What distinguishes this book is its compelling approach to complex medical ethics—examining consent, commercialization, and moral ambiguity within IVF clinics—all while maintaining an exhilarating, rapid pace. It provokes thought without ever feeling didactic. The plot is rich with unexpected twists that defied my predictions, and the tension is expertly managed, leading to a deeply satisfying conclusion. Even amidst the thrills, the novel retains a profound warmth and humanity, elevating it beyond a simple page-turner.
This novel is essential reading for enthusiasts of the medical thriller genre. Dr. Kuhar is an exciting and compelling new voice, and I eagerly await her next publication. With my highest recommendation, this book earns a solid five stars!
April 17, 2026
Enjoyable read. Definitely some caution for those undergoing IVF or dealing with infertility, as that part of the story could be triggering. I found the couples’ stories were touching and told with compassion. There could have been more time spent with the IVF couples, but overall I felt that there was a good balance between storylines. There were a few times I felt that the pacing slowed, but it wasn’t annoying. I hope M.J. has another novel at some point, I look forward to reading her again. A good 3-1/2 stars for me, rounded up to 4.
November 19, 2025
Kuhar’s In Vitro is a suspenseful read wrought with covered up crime, patients desperate to conceive, and a young professional woman maneuvering her way through a power hungry hand roving boss. Kuhar heats up an already tense work environment with a romantic temptation that could cost our heroine her marriage. You won’t be disappointed in this fast-paced story full of twists and turns. Kudos to Kuhar’s gripping first novel!
December 25, 2025
GREAT read!! I could tell this was written by someone with vast medical knowledge. Myself being a nurse, I am always very intruded by medical books, but can be a bit harsh if they aren’t factual. This was perfect. Good drama, great character development. Wonderful ending. I do wish I found out what happened to the French doctor however. Considering this is the authors first book, I am very impressed.
January 6, 2026
A medical drama for those looking for a book that will challenge your thoughts on the ethics in the field of fertility.
Morality is at the forefront of this read as M.J. Kuhar manages to make the reader think and put themselves in the characters shoes.
This is also very character driven, we are given the point of view and understand Dr. Joyce Porter's actions and thoughts as they are made.
This book will take you by surprise and make you think on a deeper level. It's very well done.
Morality is at the forefront of this read as M.J. Kuhar manages to make the reader think and put themselves in the characters shoes.
This is also very character driven, we are given the point of view and understand Dr. Joyce Porter's actions and thoughts as they are made.
This book will take you by surprise and make you think on a deeper level. It's very well done.
Read
August 10, 2026In Vitro takes a setting built around hope and turns it into a deeply unsettling medical thriller. Joyce's discovery forces her to choose between protecting her patients and risking everything to expose the truth.
I especially enjoyed the moral tension—there are no easy choices when someone's integrity, career, and lives are on the line. A compelling read for fans of medical suspense, ethical dilemmas, and hidden corruption.
I especially enjoyed the moral tension—there are no easy choices when someone's integrity, career, and lives are on the line. A compelling read for fans of medical suspense, ethical dilemmas, and hidden corruption.
November 27, 2025
M.J. Kumar's latest has a very in-depth group of characters with a well-developed storyline. The medical mystery and psychological thriller is a great one who loves these types of books. I enjoyed getting to know Dr. Porter and her coworkers and spouse. She is the type of doctor everyone should want to have, she's compassionate and caring for her patients and has their best interests at heart.
The reader should be careful to check what the triggers are so they can determine if this is a story they are comfortable reading it. There is SA, miscarriage, and fertility issues discussed.
The reader should be careful to check what the triggers are so they can determine if this is a story they are comfortable reading it. There is SA, miscarriage, and fertility issues discussed.
January 27, 2026
Stylishly written, this is an engaging read that pushes the envelope of the genre whiling tying together other genres as well.
Secondary characters are setup well, but the main characters steal the show and show the attention to detail and quirky personalities.
M.J. Kuhar writes about the gritty, it's not cookie cutter.
Secondary characters are setup well, but the main characters steal the show and show the attention to detail and quirky personalities.
M.J. Kuhar writes about the gritty, it's not cookie cutter.
February 12, 2026
A highly addictive suspenseful read! I honestly couldn't get enough of it and found it hard to put down. It can be an uncomfortable read for some folks so I recommend it as a "reader's discretion is advised" book. TW including SA, miscarriage and other traumatic events.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to check this book out in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to check this book out in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2025
A well-paced, captivating suspense that is also very fresh in ideas.
It stays consistently interesting with a great twist that the story was carefully building toward the whole time.
Tense, atmospheric, and layered with suspicion, you will be on edge the entire time you're reading.
It stays consistently interesting with a great twist that the story was carefully building toward the whole time.
Tense, atmospheric, and layered with suspicion, you will be on edge the entire time you're reading.
January 10, 2026
A thriller set in a fertility clinic. Might well be a first, but makes a great story. Features a principled doctor, her lecherous boss, a French colleague and an unethical lab director. Lots of drama among them.
December 26, 2025
A page turner with heart!
December 29, 2025
In In Vitro, Dr. Joyce Porter works at a highly respected fertility clinic known for making dreams come true—until she uncovers troubling irregularities behind its success. As she digs deeper, Joyce is forced to choose between protecting her patients and safeguarding her own career.
I liked this book, especially the premise - that there may be some in vitro pregnancies that were inseminated with donor sperm without consent - because as we look at fertility treatments, ethics are of utmost concern. While the premise was compelling, certain plot points felt less believable, which dulled the impact for me. I loved the alternating perspectives and storylines, but felt that some were unnecessary (ex. the hotel security manager? do I really need her perspective?) and some timelines felt a little confusing. The writing was very descriptive and the science was both detailed and easy to understand. I thought the book was good and it is one I would recommend! Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @acornpublishing and @xpressotours for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
I liked this book, especially the premise - that there may be some in vitro pregnancies that were inseminated with donor sperm without consent - because as we look at fertility treatments, ethics are of utmost concern. While the premise was compelling, certain plot points felt less believable, which dulled the impact for me. I loved the alternating perspectives and storylines, but felt that some were unnecessary (ex. the hotel security manager? do I really need her perspective?) and some timelines felt a little confusing. The writing was very descriptive and the science was both detailed and easy to understand. I thought the book was good and it is one I would recommend! Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @acornpublishing and @xpressotours for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews