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He Had It Coming
It’s been eight years since “the incident” that stole the future Jerek Hayes had planned. Accusations. Negative press attention. Rabid anger from people he’s never met.
Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.
He acts like he’s gotten away with it.
But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away.
Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.
He acts like he’s gotten away with it.
But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Darby Kane
10 books2,076 followersDarby Kane is a former divorce lawyer with a dual writing personality. Her debut thriller, PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, was a Book Of The Month pick, #1 international bestseller, and has been optioned for a television series. She also writes romantic suspense and romantic mysteries as HelenKay Dimon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Darby Kane burst onto the Psychological Thriller scene in 2020 with Pretty Little Wife (4 stars from me) but since then there were more misses than hits for me and I didn’t read her last two. When I saw this 112 page REVENGE novel, I thought I would give her one more try as an intricately plotted REVENGE novel can be so satisfying to read.
Unfortunately, this one was pretty simplistic and a bit too predictable for me.
An ANONYMOUS website has dredged up the PAST, posting “The Truth About Jerek Hayes” and telling the story about Ruby-the girl he killed when he was twenty one. He got away with it, thanks to his parents money, but Ruby’s sister Sabrina, is determined to make him pay now.
The story alternates between the ANONYMOUS POSTS and the SHOWDOWN between the characters when he is lured onto a luxury yacht in a San Diego harbor.
But, the conversations on the yacht just didn’t hold my interest.
2.5 stars
Do seek out other reviews as well as many are positive!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Unfortunately, this one was pretty simplistic and a bit too predictable for me.
An ANONYMOUS website has dredged up the PAST, posting “The Truth About Jerek Hayes” and telling the story about Ruby-the girl he killed when he was twenty one. He got away with it, thanks to his parents money, but Ruby’s sister Sabrina, is determined to make him pay now.
The story alternates between the ANONYMOUS POSTS and the SHOWDOWN between the characters when he is lured onto a luxury yacht in a San Diego harbor.
But, the conversations on the yacht just didn’t hold my interest.
2.5 stars
Do seek out other reviews as well as many are positive!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A book of revenge. It is a novella so by the time I got into it...it was over.
"It’s been eight years since “the incident” that stole the future Jerek Hayes had planned. Accusations. Negative press attention. Rabid anger from people he’s never met.
Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.
He acts like he’s gotten away with it.
But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away."
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for this ARC in exchange for my review.
"It’s been eight years since “the incident” that stole the future Jerek Hayes had planned. Accusations. Negative press attention. Rabid anger from people he’s never met.
Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.
He acts like he’s gotten away with it.
But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away."
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A quick novella about sweet revenge.
Jerek felt his family and their wealth could get him out of any situation. And they did! Until now…
Do you enjoy revenge books?Then this is the perfect fast read for you!
Jerek is extremely unlikable and you may be wanting to participate in the revenge just based in his attitude alone! (Oops,did I just say that?)😬
This had the potential for an incredible full-length diabolical thriller, with these 100+ pages as our wild finale. Either way, it was a fun read!
✍️ Darby Kane
📄 112 pages
🗓️ Anticipated release date: October 6, 2026
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, Novella
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow
Jerek felt his family and their wealth could get him out of any situation. And they did! Until now…
Do you enjoy revenge books?Then this is the perfect fast read for you!
Jerek is extremely unlikable and you may be wanting to participate in the revenge just based in his attitude alone! (Oops,did I just say that?)😬
This had the potential for an incredible full-length diabolical thriller, with these 100+ pages as our wild finale. Either way, it was a fun read!
✍️ Darby Kane
📄 112 pages
🗓️ Anticipated release date: October 6, 2026
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, Novella
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow
Review of advance copy
Twisty, binge-able, and beyond satisfying, He Had It Coming had everything I love in a one-sitting read. From rich people behaving badly to delicious cat-and-mouse games, the great Darby Kane hit it out of the park once again. I mean, who doesn’t love a thriller where the revenge is served cold to a smug, entitled man? With a huge dash of dark humor and a heaping dose of feminine rage, I ate up every word like I was starving as I happily watched these delightfully hate-worthy characters get what they deserved. Don’t get me wrong, as much as this revenge tale was just flat out entertaining, it also dove into topics such as accountability, power, and privilege despite its short length. Dark and messy, but impossible to put down, it was quite the addictive read all said and done.
I do have to say, though, that what shocked me the most about this Pretty Little Wife-esque novella was how it felt fully developed in spite of the fact that it was only 112 pages long. On top of that, the morally gray behavior, blindingly fast pace, and tension-filled scenes made for quite the fun, little romp. With a ton of buried secrets and devious lies, I had a blast watching them slowly get exposed. After all, this bite-sized read not only had classic Kane vibes, but it kept me on the edge of my seat as I inhaled every word from the riveting start to the jaw-dropping end. So if you love twists that will blindside you completely as the tension ratchets higher with every page, give this one a try. You’ll definitely be a fan of this author by the time the drama ends. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Revenge thrillers
- Rich people behaving badly
- Unlikeable characters
- Feminine rage
- Morally gray behavior
- Unguessable twists
- Fast-paced plots
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Palpable tension
- Fully developed novellas
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been eight years since “the incident” that stole the future Jerek Hayes had planned. Accusations. Negative press attention. Rabid anger from people he’s never met.
Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.
He acts like he’s gotten away with it.
But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away.
PUB DATE: October 6, 2026
Thank you HelenKay Dimon (writing as Darby Kane), William Morrow Books, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I do have to say, though, that what shocked me the most about this Pretty Little Wife-esque novella was how it felt fully developed in spite of the fact that it was only 112 pages long. On top of that, the morally gray behavior, blindingly fast pace, and tension-filled scenes made for quite the fun, little romp. With a ton of buried secrets and devious lies, I had a blast watching them slowly get exposed. After all, this bite-sized read not only had classic Kane vibes, but it kept me on the edge of my seat as I inhaled every word from the riveting start to the jaw-dropping end. So if you love twists that will blindside you completely as the tension ratchets higher with every page, give this one a try. You’ll definitely be a fan of this author by the time the drama ends. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Revenge thrillers
- Rich people behaving badly
- Unlikeable characters
- Feminine rage
- Morally gray behavior
- Unguessable twists
- Fast-paced plots
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Palpable tension
- Fully developed novellas
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been eight years since “the incident” that stole the future Jerek Hayes had planned. Accusations. Negative press attention. Rabid anger from people he’s never met.
Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.
He acts like he’s gotten away with it.
But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away.
PUB DATE: October 6, 2026
Thank you HelenKay Dimon (writing as Darby Kane), William Morrow Books, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Locked-room coastal vibes, a 28-million-dollar estate, and a woman who refuses to let a crime stay buried. Think The Wife Deserved It meets the wicked, wealthy drama of Kaira Rouda’s Beneath the Surface. He Had It Coming is the ultimate bite-sized thriller you can finish in a single afternoon!
Intro
He Had It Coming by Darby Kane is a fast-paced domestic suspense novella that packs a massive punch in just over 100 pages. Known for her twisted, morally gray thrillers, Darby Kane returns with a lightning-fast story of cold-blooded retribution that explores what happens when the legal system fails and vigilantism takes over.
The Hook
Eight years ago, a wealthy elite got away with a horrific crime. Now, just as he thinks his past is safely buried and his new life is perfect, the trap snaps shut.
Elevator Pitch
Think Promising Young Woman meets a locked-room coastal thriller. Jerek Hayes used his family’s massive wealth to dodge accountability for "the incident" that destroyed a young woman's life. Eight years later, he has moved across the country, built a fresh start, and assumed he is entirely safe. But Sabrina, a woman bound by blood and fury to his past, has been waiting for the exact moment he felt comfortable—just so she could strip everything away.
Setting
A luxurious, isolated twenty-eight-million-dollar oceanfront estate and a sleek, high-end yacht where a group of wealthy, untrustworthy individuals find themselves trapped together.
Vibe
Tense, claustrophobic, messy, and deeply satisfying. It carries an atmospheric, elite-wealth aesthetic layered with building paranoia and a distinct "people you love to hate" energy.
Genre
Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense / Revenge Novella.
Themes
~Wealth as a Shield: How generational privilege and deep pockets distort the legal system.
~The Delayed Fuse of Revenge: The meticulous patience required to execute perfect retribution.
~Vigilante Justice: Facing the music when courtrooms fail to deliver consequences.
Standout Characters
~Jerek Hayes: The ultimate trust-fund antagonist. He is entitled, completely lacking in accountability, and plays the victim perfectly—making his downfall incredibly fun to watch.
~Sabrina: The chillingly calm, calculated force of vengeance who orchestrates a lethal game of exposure using an anonymous website.
Author Writing Standout
Kane excels at weaponizing the short novella format. Instead of wasting time on filler, she structures the narrative with high-friction dialogue, quick-fire secrets, and a rapidly escalating locked-room pressure cooker that forces immediate confrontation.
Takeaway
Money can buy a fresh start, a clean record, and an ocean view, but it can never truly buy a clean slate. The past always keeps receipts.
Title Significance
The title "He Had It Coming" acts as the emotional thesis of the book. It shifts the narrative focus away from "who did it" and plants it firmly into the cathartic territory of total justification—inviting the reader to cheer for the antagonist's ruin.
Metaphor
The book operates like a tightening noose hidden inside a luxury silk tie. It presents a beautiful, opulent exterior that grows increasingly deadly and restrictive with every page turn.
Why You Should Read
If you love revenge thrillers but don't want to slog through a 400-page setup, this is a masterful one-sitting binge-read. It delivers the exact same narrative dopamine hit as a full-length novel in a fraction of the time.
My Thoughts
This is a delightfully wicked, mean-spirited little thriller in the absolute best way possible. Jerek is a phenomenally frustrating character, which makes Sabrina’s systematic dismantling of his life incredibly addicting. The locked-room element on the estate and yacht adds an excellent layer of physical tension to the emotional warfare.
If you loved The Wife Deserved It or the calculated brilliance of Jane Doe, grab this novella immediately!
Verdict 4/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"A fierce, bite-sized thriller that perfectly captures the sweet taste of poetic justice."
Recs or Read-Alikes
~The Wife Deserved It by Darby Kane:
~Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone
~Beneath the Surface and The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda
Audio🎧 Standout
I am looking forward to listening to the audiobook, featuring a multi-cast narration by Josh Bloomberg, Jennifer Pickens, and Allyson Ryan.
Special thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 6, 2026
Oct 2026 Must-Read Books
Intro
He Had It Coming by Darby Kane is a fast-paced domestic suspense novella that packs a massive punch in just over 100 pages. Known for her twisted, morally gray thrillers, Darby Kane returns with a lightning-fast story of cold-blooded retribution that explores what happens when the legal system fails and vigilantism takes over.
The Hook
Eight years ago, a wealthy elite got away with a horrific crime. Now, just as he thinks his past is safely buried and his new life is perfect, the trap snaps shut.
Elevator Pitch
Think Promising Young Woman meets a locked-room coastal thriller. Jerek Hayes used his family’s massive wealth to dodge accountability for "the incident" that destroyed a young woman's life. Eight years later, he has moved across the country, built a fresh start, and assumed he is entirely safe. But Sabrina, a woman bound by blood and fury to his past, has been waiting for the exact moment he felt comfortable—just so she could strip everything away.
Setting
A luxurious, isolated twenty-eight-million-dollar oceanfront estate and a sleek, high-end yacht where a group of wealthy, untrustworthy individuals find themselves trapped together.
Vibe
Tense, claustrophobic, messy, and deeply satisfying. It carries an atmospheric, elite-wealth aesthetic layered with building paranoia and a distinct "people you love to hate" energy.
Genre
Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense / Revenge Novella.
Themes
~Wealth as a Shield: How generational privilege and deep pockets distort the legal system.
~The Delayed Fuse of Revenge: The meticulous patience required to execute perfect retribution.
~Vigilante Justice: Facing the music when courtrooms fail to deliver consequences.
Standout Characters
~Jerek Hayes: The ultimate trust-fund antagonist. He is entitled, completely lacking in accountability, and plays the victim perfectly—making his downfall incredibly fun to watch.
~Sabrina: The chillingly calm, calculated force of vengeance who orchestrates a lethal game of exposure using an anonymous website.
Author Writing Standout
Kane excels at weaponizing the short novella format. Instead of wasting time on filler, she structures the narrative with high-friction dialogue, quick-fire secrets, and a rapidly escalating locked-room pressure cooker that forces immediate confrontation.
Takeaway
Money can buy a fresh start, a clean record, and an ocean view, but it can never truly buy a clean slate. The past always keeps receipts.
Title Significance
The title "He Had It Coming" acts as the emotional thesis of the book. It shifts the narrative focus away from "who did it" and plants it firmly into the cathartic territory of total justification—inviting the reader to cheer for the antagonist's ruin.
Metaphor
The book operates like a tightening noose hidden inside a luxury silk tie. It presents a beautiful, opulent exterior that grows increasingly deadly and restrictive with every page turn.
Why You Should Read
If you love revenge thrillers but don't want to slog through a 400-page setup, this is a masterful one-sitting binge-read. It delivers the exact same narrative dopamine hit as a full-length novel in a fraction of the time.
My Thoughts
This is a delightfully wicked, mean-spirited little thriller in the absolute best way possible. Jerek is a phenomenally frustrating character, which makes Sabrina’s systematic dismantling of his life incredibly addicting. The locked-room element on the estate and yacht adds an excellent layer of physical tension to the emotional warfare.
If you loved The Wife Deserved It or the calculated brilliance of Jane Doe, grab this novella immediately!
Verdict 4/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"A fierce, bite-sized thriller that perfectly captures the sweet taste of poetic justice."
Recs or Read-Alikes
~The Wife Deserved It by Darby Kane:
~Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone
~Beneath the Surface and The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda
Audio🎧 Standout
I am looking forward to listening to the audiobook, featuring a multi-cast narration by Josh Bloomberg, Jennifer Pickens, and Allyson Ryan.
Special thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 6, 2026
Oct 2026 Must-Read Books
October 29, 2026
I enjoyed this story although the ending was a bit anticlimactic. Many of the characters have controversial pasts and as time went on, I found myself questioning which people were victims and which were the perpetrators. It’s all kind of a mess. He Had It Coming is a quick read, but I wish it had finished with more of a bang or gotcha moment. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the digital ARC.
Review of advance copy
Who doesn’t love a revenge plot !? This was twisty and packed a punch for a novella. It was pretty action packed for only being a little over 100 pages.
Jerek Hayes has been fighting against the narrative the world has spun against him for the past 8 years. Many people say he’s gotten away with his crime by being saved by his family’s money and status. He moves across the country and starts a new life in hopes to put the past behind him.
Revenge and karma never forget an address and it’s coming for Jerek no matter how far he tries to run.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my advanced reader copy!
Publishing October 6th
Jerek Hayes has been fighting against the narrative the world has spun against him for the past 8 years. Many people say he’s gotten away with his crime by being saved by his family’s money and status. He moves across the country and starts a new life in hopes to put the past behind him.
Revenge and karma never forget an address and it’s coming for Jerek no matter how far he tries to run.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my advanced reader copy!
Publishing October 6th
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eight years after a scandal destroyed his reputation, Jerek Hayes has reinvented himself. He left his past behind, moved across the country and built a new life, determined to convince everyone, including himself, that the worst is over. While some believe he escaped justice thanks to his family's wealth and influence, Jerek is ready to move on. But someone hasn't forgotten. Sabrina has spent years waiting for the perfect opportunity to make Jerek pay. As he settles into his fresh start she quietly begins unraveling everything he's worked to rebuild.
A tiny novella with big "I have a score to settle" energy! This book wastes no time throwing you into a storm of revenge, resentment and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The pacing is relentless, the tension starts immediately and before you know it you're flipping the last page! What I loved most was how much this story packed into such a bite-sized package. It's not just about revenge, it's about accountability power, privilege and the excuses people make when they don't want to admit to what they've done. Short and deliciously twisty, this is a type of thriller that takes you by the hand and drags you through the chaos leaving you wondering what's next from this author!
Thank you to Darby Kane and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for letting me read an early copy!
A tiny novella with big "I have a score to settle" energy! This book wastes no time throwing you into a storm of revenge, resentment and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The pacing is relentless, the tension starts immediately and before you know it you're flipping the last page! What I loved most was how much this story packed into such a bite-sized package. It's not just about revenge, it's about accountability power, privilege and the excuses people make when they don't want to admit to what they've done. Short and deliciously twisty, this is a type of thriller that takes you by the hand and drags you through the chaos leaving you wondering what's next from this author!
Thank you to Darby Kane and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for letting me read an early copy!
September 6, 2026
Jerek Hayes has spent eight years trying to move past the incident that destroyed the future he had planned, along with the accusations, negative attention, and anger from people who believe his family's money helped him avoid responsibility. After moving across the country and starting a new life, Jerek thinks he has finally gotten away from it all. But Sabrina has been waiting for the perfect moment to make him pay, and she's ready to take everything from him.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting!! I could not put it down. This was so much more than just a revenge plot because it was also about accountability and facing the consequences of your actions... There were some twists I definitely didn't see coming too. This book was just over 100 pages and this was a quick, tension filled read that packed a lot into a short story!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my gifted copy. This book publishes on October 6, 2026.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting!! I could not put it down. This was so much more than just a revenge plot because it was also about accountability and facing the consequences of your actions... There were some twists I definitely didn't see coming too. This book was just over 100 pages and this was a quick, tension filled read that packed a lot into a short story!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my gifted copy. This book publishes on October 6, 2026.
September 26, 2026
How far would you go for revenge? Jerek Hayes has reinvented himself after the fatal incident that threatened to destroy his future. Sabrina has been waiting for the moment to take it all away!
This was a short novella that will keep you turning the pages. A great revenge story that will leave you satisfied!
This was a short novella that will keep you turning the pages. A great revenge story that will leave you satisfied!
October 13, 2026
I wish this one was longer… excellent premise!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thriller Book Lovers THE PULSE love Darby Kane’s books and this novella is the perfect quick read.
After a scandal, it takes eight years for Jerek Hayes to reinvent himself and leave his past behind. Jerek’s family and influence might have helped him escape justice, BUT someone is waiting in the wings to destroy him. Sabrina is about to unravel his life!
This novella is filled with tension and we all know sometimes the past does not stay in the past, let alone secrets. Sometimes accountability is what is NEEDED!
After a scandal, it takes eight years for Jerek Hayes to reinvent himself and leave his past behind. Jerek’s family and influence might have helped him escape justice, BUT someone is waiting in the wings to destroy him. Sabrina is about to unravel his life!
This novella is filled with tension and we all know sometimes the past does not stay in the past, let alone secrets. Sometimes accountability is what is NEEDED!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Are you on the lookout for something short and suspenseful to brighten up your busy afternoon? Look no further!
This quick read unfolds through the perspectives of Jerek Hayeses and Sabrina. Jerek is quite an unlikable character, and even his own family isn't particularly fond of his escapades, which says a lot about him! He’s wealthy and privileged, but he harbors a dark past and some secrets ready to be revealed. How will we uncover these mysteries? Very carefully, and you’ll need to read this book to find out more.
Sabrina embodies a force of feminine rage and revenge, so when her path crosses with Jerek’s, he better watch out! The title says it all, really! Throughout the story, we learn what happened eight years ago and the motivations behind Sabrina’s actions. I don’t want to give too much away since it’s a short tale, but it felt like the author did an incredible job packing in a lot of content. There’s more than enough action to keep you glued to the pages during one busy afternoon.
The audiobook narrators, Josh Bloomberg, Jennifer Pickens, and Allyson Ryan, did a fantastic job, bringing energy and chemistry to the characters. I found the audiobook more engaging than reading the story, as their performances added a vibrant touch that kept me invested! It turned into a perfect walk with my dogs; I ended up strolling longer because I had to find out how everything wrapped up! The choice of narrators was spot on!
So, if you’re into morally ambiguous characters, plenty of secrets about wealthy individuals behaving badly while getting away with it due to family wealth, this story is right up your alley. There’s a dark playfulness between the characters, and the pacing is speedy. If you're intrigued by a sinister female vigilante seeking revenge, this book will keep you turning the pages. With this author, expect the unexpected—be prepared for a twist that will catch you off guard. Don’t miss out on this quick read or listen!
Thank you, Harper Audio Adult, William Morrow, and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This quick read unfolds through the perspectives of Jerek Hayeses and Sabrina. Jerek is quite an unlikable character, and even his own family isn't particularly fond of his escapades, which says a lot about him! He’s wealthy and privileged, but he harbors a dark past and some secrets ready to be revealed. How will we uncover these mysteries? Very carefully, and you’ll need to read this book to find out more.
Sabrina embodies a force of feminine rage and revenge, so when her path crosses with Jerek’s, he better watch out! The title says it all, really! Throughout the story, we learn what happened eight years ago and the motivations behind Sabrina’s actions. I don’t want to give too much away since it’s a short tale, but it felt like the author did an incredible job packing in a lot of content. There’s more than enough action to keep you glued to the pages during one busy afternoon.
The audiobook narrators, Josh Bloomberg, Jennifer Pickens, and Allyson Ryan, did a fantastic job, bringing energy and chemistry to the characters. I found the audiobook more engaging than reading the story, as their performances added a vibrant touch that kept me invested! It turned into a perfect walk with my dogs; I ended up strolling longer because I had to find out how everything wrapped up! The choice of narrators was spot on!
So, if you’re into morally ambiguous characters, plenty of secrets about wealthy individuals behaving badly while getting away with it due to family wealth, this story is right up your alley. There’s a dark playfulness between the characters, and the pacing is speedy. If you're intrigued by a sinister female vigilante seeking revenge, this book will keep you turning the pages. With this author, expect the unexpected—be prepared for a twist that will catch you off guard. Don’t miss out on this quick read or listen!
Thank you, Harper Audio Adult, William Morrow, and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: He Had it Coming
Author: Darby Kane
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
*It should be noted that this is a novella, not a full novel.*
This book was all about revenge. Revenge for something that happened a long time ago. Revenge for something that was already tried in court.
If you're looking for a quick, mindless, predictable, easy read, then this is for you. If you're looking for a suspenseful, thought provoking book, then keep moving...
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: Darby Kane
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
*It should be noted that this is a novella, not a full novel.*
This book was all about revenge. Revenge for something that happened a long time ago. Revenge for something that was already tried in court.
If you're looking for a quick, mindless, predictable, easy read, then this is for you. If you're looking for a suspenseful, thought provoking book, then keep moving...
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
June 21, 2026
Want some bang for your buck? This 112 page novella will get you out of a reading slump by keeping you on the edge of your seat. Darby Kane does an awesome job of packing a lot of tension into this novella! You’ll enjoy this if you like:
🛥️ rich people behaving badly
🛥️ revenge
🛥️ manipulation
🛥️ getting away with murder
🛥️ lies
🛥️ multiple
🛥️ rich people behaving badly
🛥️ revenge
🛥️ manipulation
🛥️ getting away with murder
🛥️ lies
🛥️ multiple
September 25, 2026
He Had It Coming is a novella, so it was a very quick read for me. This is a revenge thriller involving Sabrina, who is seeking justice for her sister’s death, and Jerek, the wealthy jerk who was responsible for it. He’s avoided consequences for long enough, and now Sabrina wants to make him pay. None of the characters have particularly likable qualities, but it works very well with the fast pace of the story! I’ve been a fan of everything I’ve read from Darby Kane, and I’m always pleasantly surprised by the twists involved. I read this one in one go!
October 10, 2026
For such a short read this was boring and slow AF.
November 3, 2026
For my first Darby Kane, this was so much fun! I'm glad I started with a novella, and I cannot wait for her next release!
October 8, 2026
I think this was really good for just a short little novella. There were a couple of small twists and I did like the MC Sabrina. I think this is a very timely topic considering the current media climate of "but you'll ruin his whole life", when it comes to making young men pay for the despicable things they do. We need more Sabrina's IRL.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Darby Kane is great at setting up messy drama right out of the gate, and the start of this story pulled me in quickly. The setup wastes no time dropping you into the chaos, telling the story through dual perspectives by starting with Jerek's point of view before switching to Sabrina's. It kicks off with enough energy that I expected to breeze straight through it.
Things slowed down around the halfway mark, though. The characters kept talking in circles instead of actually moving the plot forward. On top of that, a few of the events started feeling a little too far-fetched to take seriously. Then, the end turned into a huge info-dump trying to spell out how every tiny piece fit together. It’s still an easy, entertaining option if you just want a quick, dark suspense, but the second half definitely fizzled out compared to how strong it started.
If you like morally gray characters, bite-sized revenge plots, and domestic suspense, then you may enjoy this book.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/he...
Things slowed down around the halfway mark, though. The characters kept talking in circles instead of actually moving the plot forward. On top of that, a few of the events started feeling a little too far-fetched to take seriously. Then, the end turned into a huge info-dump trying to spell out how every tiny piece fit together. It’s still an easy, entertaining option if you just want a quick, dark suspense, but the second half definitely fizzled out compared to how strong it started.
If you like morally gray characters, bite-sized revenge plots, and domestic suspense, then you may enjoy this book.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/he...
October 9, 2026
This was an impressive little novella—sharp, twisty, and packed with way more punch than I expected. It took me a few chapters to settle in, but once it clicked, I was fully in. The snark was an entertaining highlight for me and made for a fun one-sitting read!
MY RATING: 4★
A full description of my rating key and a link to my Bookstagram can be found on my Goodreads profile.
MY RATING: 4★
A full description of my rating key and a link to my Bookstagram can be found on my Goodreads profile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 8, 2026 He Had it Coming by Darby Kane 4 Stars
Title: He Had it Coming
Author: Darby Kane
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Josh Bloomberg, Jennifer Pickens and Allyson Ryan
Publisher: Harper Audio Adult/ William Marrow
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: October 6, 2026
My Rating 3.5 Stars!
Eight years ago, when Jerek Hayes was twenty-one, he killed nineteen-year-old Ruby Ford. They met at a bar frequented by NYU students.
He asked her to go out but she refused. She ends up dead and Jarek said it was an accident and admits to criminal neglect. He was given Community Services as his punishment. However, there is a lot of doubt and believe she should have a more serious punishment. However, the publicity did hurt Jarek’s reputation -he lost his admissions to NYU.
Most believe his family’s money got him off.
Now he is ready to put it all behind him and moves from Philadelphia to his father’s Real Estate Office in San Diego. He wants to establish a new life.
He starts to get negative threatening messages as well as negative comments on social media. Jarek believes they are from Ruby’s older sister Sabrina. He believes the company’s PR department will deal with it.
Yes! Ruby's sister, Sabrina, wants to make sure Jarek gets want he deserves and is brought to justice.
There is a twist I certainly didn’t suspect (I read a lot of thrillers so typically am very suspicious of everyone!)
The ending of the story provides us with the truth of what happened that night. As well as the truth about both Ruby as well as Jarek.
The ending was a surprise 😲
The narrators did a fantastic job with their performance of the characters. Jarek is easy to dislike with his arrogant attitude and foul language.
I want to thank NetGalley, HarperAudio Audio and William Marrow for granted me this audiobook
The Publishing Release Date is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
Title: He Had it Coming
Author: Darby Kane
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Josh Bloomberg, Jennifer Pickens and Allyson Ryan
Publisher: Harper Audio Adult/ William Marrow
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: October 6, 2026
My Rating 3.5 Stars!
Eight years ago, when Jerek Hayes was twenty-one, he killed nineteen-year-old Ruby Ford. They met at a bar frequented by NYU students.
He asked her to go out but she refused. She ends up dead and Jarek said it was an accident and admits to criminal neglect. He was given Community Services as his punishment. However, there is a lot of doubt and believe she should have a more serious punishment. However, the publicity did hurt Jarek’s reputation -he lost his admissions to NYU.
Most believe his family’s money got him off.
Now he is ready to put it all behind him and moves from Philadelphia to his father’s Real Estate Office in San Diego. He wants to establish a new life.
He starts to get negative threatening messages as well as negative comments on social media. Jarek believes they are from Ruby’s older sister Sabrina. He believes the company’s PR department will deal with it.
Yes! Ruby's sister, Sabrina, wants to make sure Jarek gets want he deserves and is brought to justice.
There is a twist I certainly didn’t suspect (I read a lot of thrillers so typically am very suspicious of everyone!)
The ending of the story provides us with the truth of what happened that night. As well as the truth about both Ruby as well as Jarek.
The ending was a surprise 😲
The narrators did a fantastic job with their performance of the characters. Jarek is easy to dislike with his arrogant attitude and foul language.
I want to thank NetGalley, HarperAudio Audio and William Marrow for granted me this audiobook
The Publishing Release Date is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
September 21, 2026
A revenge novella written by the psychological thriller icon, Darby Kane- I just knew this one was going to be so much fun- and it was!
Jerek Hayes is a privileged rich boy, whose family and money, literally “saved him” after he committed a very serious crime. However, someone has been hiding in the shadows waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and nothing will stop her from getting her revenge!
This book despite being only slightly over 100 pages, reads like a full length thriller, and I ate up every last word.
The stakes are high, the revenge is bloody, and the female rage is perfectly out of control. Nobody should ever laugh at an upset woman, and Jerek learns that very hard lesson, extremely painfully.
I love the alternating viewpoints of this story- you first have overconfident Jerek, who is impossible to like, but then you get to hear from the person taking their revenge. She is angry, she has secrets, and she won’t let anyone get one over on her!
Dispersed throughout the story are also fun snippets from an anonymous blogger who is posting Jerek’s secrets all over the internet. Is this blogger the revenge woman? Or perhaps there is someone else coming for Jerek- someone who is closer to him than he could have ever imagined!
The twists are twisty, the revenge is delicious, and the ending is fast paced and closed up nice and neat!
Read this now if you love female rage novels, or are a fan of Darby Kane’s previous work, you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to the author, Darby Kane, and the publisher, William Morrow, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Jerek Hayes is a privileged rich boy, whose family and money, literally “saved him” after he committed a very serious crime. However, someone has been hiding in the shadows waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and nothing will stop her from getting her revenge!
This book despite being only slightly over 100 pages, reads like a full length thriller, and I ate up every last word.
The stakes are high, the revenge is bloody, and the female rage is perfectly out of control. Nobody should ever laugh at an upset woman, and Jerek learns that very hard lesson, extremely painfully.
I love the alternating viewpoints of this story- you first have overconfident Jerek, who is impossible to like, but then you get to hear from the person taking their revenge. She is angry, she has secrets, and she won’t let anyone get one over on her!
Dispersed throughout the story are also fun snippets from an anonymous blogger who is posting Jerek’s secrets all over the internet. Is this blogger the revenge woman? Or perhaps there is someone else coming for Jerek- someone who is closer to him than he could have ever imagined!
The twists are twisty, the revenge is delicious, and the ending is fast paced and closed up nice and neat!
Read this now if you love female rage novels, or are a fan of Darby Kane’s previous work, you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to the author, Darby Kane, and the publisher, William Morrow, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2026
💀 Book tour & review 💀 featuring “He Had It Coming” by Darby Kane!
Happy Friday everyone! My friends and I at #thepulse are thrilled to put Darby Kane’s upcoming novella HE HAD IT COMING on your radars!
Eight years ago, Jerek Hayes was involved in scandal that tore his life and reputation apart. Nasty rumours, bad press and constant hate forced him to move across the country to start over.
Some people argued that he did not take responsibility for his actions and that his wealthy family’s money saved him. Others are enraged that he has moved on with his life like he has “gotten away with it”. However, Sabrina has NOT forgotten …
Sabrina has been waiting for the perfect moment to STRIKE, and a move across the country will not prevent her from hunting Jerek down and disturbing his newfound peace. History has a way of catching up with you … and revenge/karma comes after everyone eventually.
💭 Whenever I see anything written by Darby Kane, I automatically jump on it! Fast paced, twisted, deliciously diabolical and seething with revenge, this novella packs a lot into only 112 pages! I really did not want it to end! The pages are red hot with female rage, resentment and vengeance! Trust me, you will want to stay out of Sabrina’s way!
Thank you kindly to @hkdimon @williammorrowbooks @harpercollinsca @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This novella releases on October 13, 2026!
Happy Friday everyone! My friends and I at #thepulse are thrilled to put Darby Kane’s upcoming novella HE HAD IT COMING on your radars!
Eight years ago, Jerek Hayes was involved in scandal that tore his life and reputation apart. Nasty rumours, bad press and constant hate forced him to move across the country to start over.
Some people argued that he did not take responsibility for his actions and that his wealthy family’s money saved him. Others are enraged that he has moved on with his life like he has “gotten away with it”. However, Sabrina has NOT forgotten …
Sabrina has been waiting for the perfect moment to STRIKE, and a move across the country will not prevent her from hunting Jerek down and disturbing his newfound peace. History has a way of catching up with you … and revenge/karma comes after everyone eventually.
💭 Whenever I see anything written by Darby Kane, I automatically jump on it! Fast paced, twisted, deliciously diabolical and seething with revenge, this novella packs a lot into only 112 pages! I really did not want it to end! The pages are red hot with female rage, resentment and vengeance! Trust me, you will want to stay out of Sabrina’s way!
Thank you kindly to @hkdimon @williammorrowbooks @harpercollinsca @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This novella releases on October 13, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉.
Eight years after an incident destroyed his reputation, Jerek Hayes believes he has successfully outrun his past. New city, new life, fresh start. The problem is that some wounds don't heal just because the person who caused them decides to move on. Sabrina has spent years waiting for the perfect moment to settle a score, and when the opportunity finally arrives, she intends to make every second count. Short, sharp, and fueled by simmering resentment, this novella wastes absolutely no time getting to the point.
What impressed me most was how much punch the author packed into such a small package. This is very much a revenge story, but it is also about accountability, power, and the stories people tell themselves in order to sleep at night. The tension builds quickly, and there is a particular satisfaction in watching the narrative peel back its layers as the truth comes into focus. It would have been easy for this story to feel underdeveloped, but instead it felt focused. Dark, compulsively readable, and impossible to put down once it gets its hooks in, this was a reminder that sometimes the shortest stories leave the deepest scars. Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for this early read that will publish October 6, 2026.
Eight years after an incident destroyed his reputation, Jerek Hayes believes he has successfully outrun his past. New city, new life, fresh start. The problem is that some wounds don't heal just because the person who caused them decides to move on. Sabrina has spent years waiting for the perfect moment to settle a score, and when the opportunity finally arrives, she intends to make every second count. Short, sharp, and fueled by simmering resentment, this novella wastes absolutely no time getting to the point.
What impressed me most was how much punch the author packed into such a small package. This is very much a revenge story, but it is also about accountability, power, and the stories people tell themselves in order to sleep at night. The tension builds quickly, and there is a particular satisfaction in watching the narrative peel back its layers as the truth comes into focus. It would have been easy for this story to feel underdeveloped, but instead it felt focused. Dark, compulsively readable, and impossible to put down once it gets its hooks in, this was a reminder that sometimes the shortest stories leave the deepest scars. Thank you to the author and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for this early read that will publish October 6, 2026.
September 19, 2026
I am a HUGE Darby Kane fan and will take a Darby Kane book any way I can get it. This woman is the almost unrivaled Queen of the Revenge Thriller! I'm not normally a big novella fan, but I'll take it if it has Darby Kane on the cover!! This was a fast paced and fun story. Not quite the 5-Star read I am used to from her, but I still really enjoyed it! Years ago, trust-fund baby, Jerk, ahem, I mean Jerek, Hayes is involved in an incident involving a young woman. Sabrina, the said young woman has still not forgotten all these years later as it destroyed her life. She has just been waiting for all to be perfect in Jerk's, oops! there I go again, Jerek's world. And it certainly is as he lives quite cozily in his 28-million-dollar mansion on the coast. Time for Sabrina to spring her plan on him! And it's a doozy! Anyone who has ever wanted revenge on someone and entertained crazy far-fetched fantasies of how they would do it will definitely love this story. The dark humor was appreciated, for sure! I guess my biggest complaint is that it was only 100 or so pages and a lot was stuffed in there. Being a Darby Kane book, I would have liked a bit more. But as I said, I'm still grateful for anything! Keep 'em coming, Darby! I am already excited for the next one!!
Thank you to #NetGalley, Darby Kane and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Darby Kane and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eight years ago, Jerek Hayes killed a young girl called Ruby. He claimed it was an accident, walked away without paying the price, and left Ruby's name dragged through the mud. But now? Ruby's older sister, Sabrina, is ready to make sure justice finally catches up with him.
This may be a novella, but don't let the page count fool you. It packs one hell of a punch.
The first half puts us inside Jerek's head, and honestly? He's an absolute narcissistic piece of work. The kind of man who plays the victim while destroying everyone around him. I wanted to reach through the pages and throttle him.
Then comes Sabrina.
Watching her methodically dismantle the man who stole her sister's life was unbelievably satisfying. As an older sister myself, I understood every ounce of her rage. If someone hurt my brothers, I'd want to burn their world down too.
This author genuinely never misses. The writing is addictive, the pacing is relentless, and the twists kept coming. I managed to work out who was helping Sabrina and who was behind the anonymous online posts, but everything else completely blindsided me.
If your favourite kind of revenge story is one where an abusive man finally gets exactly what he deserves, this one deserves a place on your TBR.
This may be a novella, but don't let the page count fool you. It packs one hell of a punch.
The first half puts us inside Jerek's head, and honestly? He's an absolute narcissistic piece of work. The kind of man who plays the victim while destroying everyone around him. I wanted to reach through the pages and throttle him.
Then comes Sabrina.
Watching her methodically dismantle the man who stole her sister's life was unbelievably satisfying. As an older sister myself, I understood every ounce of her rage. If someone hurt my brothers, I'd want to burn their world down too.
This author genuinely never misses. The writing is addictive, the pacing is relentless, and the twists kept coming. I managed to work out who was helping Sabrina and who was behind the anonymous online posts, but everything else completely blindsided me.
If your favourite kind of revenge story is one where an abusive man finally gets exactly what he deserves, this one deserves a place on your TBR.
October 6, 2026
Darby is a hit-or-miss author for me. She's written some amazing novels, but He Had It Coming was just a tad too formulaic and predictable for me. The story lacked originality and character depth. I still enjoyed the story, don't get me wrong, but it's not one that's going to stick with me.
I think the twists worked well for such a short story, and no one was perfect. Everyone had some sort of shadowy past, and this novella could've easily been a 200–300 page story if more time had been spent on the character development. That being said, the fast-paced, tension-filled setting kept me reading. There definitely weren't any boring moments.
My biggest issue was that I think this story would've worked better with three POVs: Sabrina, Maeve, and Jerek. It would've been nice to have the chapters switch between Sabrina and Jerek at the beginning, with Maeve being added toward the end. I also think Maeve's motive could've been stronger and fleshed out more. I just have a hard time believing that a rich kid whose father cheated on her mother and then left her mother to die in a submerged vehicle would be so willing to take up for him while he's suffering from Alzheimer's.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think the twists worked well for such a short story, and no one was perfect. Everyone had some sort of shadowy past, and this novella could've easily been a 200–300 page story if more time had been spent on the character development. That being said, the fast-paced, tension-filled setting kept me reading. There definitely weren't any boring moments.
My biggest issue was that I think this story would've worked better with three POVs: Sabrina, Maeve, and Jerek. It would've been nice to have the chapters switch between Sabrina and Jerek at the beginning, with Maeve being added toward the end. I also think Maeve's motive could've been stronger and fleshed out more. I just have a hard time believing that a rich kid whose father cheated on her mother and then left her mother to die in a submerged vehicle would be so willing to take up for him while he's suffering from Alzheimer's.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2026
I received a copy of "He Had It Coming" from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Jerek Hayes was accused of killing a woman he met at a bar. For years, the victim's sister has been following him, trying to get him to confess. Jerek has maintained that it was an accident, but withdrew from school, and mostly from the public eye after the case became a news frenzy. But he has built a cozy life at his dad's company, working With his half- sister Maeve, but never escaping suspicion and mistrust. Today, the truth will come out with the help of some social media posts, a brand new boat, and some very angry and vengeful people. As the story unfolds, the question becomes, is Jerek a victim of a woman unable to move on with her life, haunted by a horrible accident, or a sociopath unable to take no for an answer? Tackling the me too movement, feminism, date rape, the criminal justice system, and the socioeconomic influence on the system, this novella grinds to a conclusion, answers are found and lives are changed. I found Jerek cartoonishly one dimensional as a villain, and while we don't need to understand or empathize with him, it just over the top at points. The twist was pretty easy to guess, but worked fine for this short story.
November 1, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Quick Summary:
This fast-paced mystery hooks you right from the start with an excellent premise. It centers on a compelling puzzle that keeps you turning pages quickly as the pieces begin to fall into place.
What I Loved:
• The Pacing: The story moves at a lightning-fast speed, making it an incredibly quick and engaging read.
• The Twists: The author includes a couple of really solid, well-executed plot twists that I didn't entirely see coming.
What Didn't Work For Me:
• Lack of Depth: Overall, the story felt a bit too short. I really wanted more depth and exploration into the characters' backstories to fully flesh out the narrative.
• Comparison to Prior Work: Having read and loved the author's previous book, Pretty Little Wife, this one felt enjoyable but didn't quite live up to that same gripping standard for me.
Final Thoughts:
A fun, quick-moving mystery perfect for a weekend read, even if it left me wanting a bit more character development.
Quick Summary:
This fast-paced mystery hooks you right from the start with an excellent premise. It centers on a compelling puzzle that keeps you turning pages quickly as the pieces begin to fall into place.
What I Loved:
• The Pacing: The story moves at a lightning-fast speed, making it an incredibly quick and engaging read.
• The Twists: The author includes a couple of really solid, well-executed plot twists that I didn't entirely see coming.
What Didn't Work For Me:
• Lack of Depth: Overall, the story felt a bit too short. I really wanted more depth and exploration into the characters' backstories to fully flesh out the narrative.
• Comparison to Prior Work: Having read and loved the author's previous book, Pretty Little Wife, this one felt enjoyable but didn't quite live up to that same gripping standard for me.
Final Thoughts:
A fun, quick-moving mystery perfect for a weekend read, even if it left me wanting a bit more character development.
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