I really connected and empathized with Jane as she struggled with her identity in this chaotic and quirky family-drama-cum-comedy. The plot may have been just slightly improbable, but I think it helped to strengthen the message about capitalism, greed, and environmental impacts.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

While a quick read, this book entertains. It has humor and nod-your-head moments that sound like me (or my friend's marriage.) It is fiction, so if you expect reality in every plot detail this book might not be for you. If you're looking for an escape from routine and heavy reads, pick it up. It could provide an interesting book club discussion when a lighter read is needed in the summer. Fiction imitating life, relationships, parenting, and anniversary dinners could be discussion topics. Overall, an enjoyable book. (less)

Jane and Dan are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary, at a restaurant that's way out of their budget (but Dan has a coupon!), when their restaurant date is rudely interrupted by armed extremists. Jane, the author of one wildly unsuccessful published novel, suddenly finds that life is mirroring events in her book way too closely for coincidence. Prior to the date Jane was gearing up to divorce her husband, the sweet but seemingly clueless Dan. Jane and Dan are just two imperfect people, raising two imperfect children, who have become a bit complacent in the mundanity of their mid-lives but then are thrust into a life-altering situation. Will the shared danger bring them closer or just prove that their differences are too vast to stay together?

This was an engaging and absorbing book with much to unpack re: marital roles, the trials of parenthood, individuality vs. familial identity, and the weight of personal happiness. Domestic drama and existential crises fight for attention amidst the unfolding hostage situation as Jane and Dan try to figure out what's happening and why, both with the divorce bombshell Jane drops and the reason that terrorists have targeted the uber-expensive and exclusive restaurant where they happen to be spending their anniversary dinner. This story was a bit more twisty and tense than I expected, but in a good way, and it was nicely tempered by subtle humor throughout. Dual 3rd-person POVs, alternating between Jane and Dan's perspective. I found that Jane was a tricky character to warm up to. The anger over her marriage initially numbed her to the events in the restaurant, but she was already striking out at Dan before events started happening, and she comes across as self-centered at times. Dan seems earnest but maybe a little oblivious and not terribly introspective, although for large portions of the book neither of them seemed hugely self-aware. I found the ending to be satisfying, with enough surprises along the way to keep me reading to the end. If you enjoy imaginative and dryly funny writing, heists with a few twists and turns, and mid-life existential crises laced with relationship drama then you'll love this book! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Publishes March 11, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC of this book, this is my objective review.

I breezed through this one in 24 hours. It was the perfect read for a day at home. I would call it a cozy heist story. It was interesting to try and figure out who the bad guys were and exactly what the motives were. I’m someone who typically likes my books a little more grounded in reality but I could appreciate it for what it was. As someone who is currently single books about the dynamics of marriage are always fascinating to me and I think at the heart of it all that’s what this book was about which was enjoyable.

3.5 ⭐️

Jane, an unsuccessful author, finds herself celebrating her anniversary at a restaurant overtaken by climate activists who seem to be following the plot of her book. Even her husband, Dan, who reminders her the book only sold 500 copies, begins to notice the strange similarities. Does this mean Jane knows what will happen next? It's a twist that’s both intriguing and promising for a story!

While the plot had some surprising and entertaining twists, I was a bit disappointed that more of the story didn’t focus on Jane and Dan using scenes from her book to outsmart the activists and rescue the hostages. The book’s description, as well as the cover, gave me the impression that there would be more comedic moments with the “disorganized and bumbling activists,” but those elements didn’t play out as much as I hoped.

That said, mixed in with the action and suspense, there were surprising moments of reflection—on what truly matters in life: the journey of a mother as her children grow, the dynamics of marriage, and our connection to the Earth. Overall, I enjoyed reading Dan and Jane at the End of the World.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book I’m exchange for my honest opinions.

Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years and Jane knows she isn’t willing to make it to 20. During their anniversary dinner at the upscale and overpriced La Fin du Monde Jane decides to ask for a divorce but before Dan can really respond all breaks lose when the restaurant is overtaken by a Climate Activist group. What at first seems to be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time begins to seem more targeted when it seems the whole plan is the plot from Jane book which only sold 500 copies.

I have loved previous books from this author but this one was a miss for me. The humor I didn’t find that funny and I didn’t enjoy the characters at all.


Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for my copy.

This is my first book from Colleen, Oakley, but I will definitely look for more. Enjoy the story of Jane and Dan. It’s one of those kinds of stories that many of us can relate to. The familiarity of a long time relationship and feeling a bit lost in it. But I love how Jane and Dan came together in the end and understood each other in a way that maybe they hadn’t before. The character arc was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

One thing about Colleen Oakley is she’s going to take you on a RIDE. This was so fun and wild and engaging, and I was so here for it.

Jane and Dan are celebrating their nineteenth (twentieth?) wedding anniversary, and if Jane has her way, it will be their last. But they don't even make it to course two of nine at the fancy, overpriced restaurant before they find themselves in a hostage situation. A hostage situation that feels eerily similar to the plot of Jane's failed novel, that she's not sure Dan ever read. 

I was a little worried about the marriage-in-crisis situation but it ended up being a really thoughtful plot point. Not everything is as it appears, which made for effective twists that kept me turning the page. And it was FUNNY.

If you need to read about (and occasionally laugh at) someone who’s having a worse day than you, pick this one up!

Thank you Berkley Pub and NetGalley for the e-arc!

4.5/5 stars
I wasn't sure what to expect reading this since it is my first book by this author, but I was pleasantly surprised. The premise is fun and intriguing, and the book is light with some humor. I liked the exploration of their marriage throughout the plot. It has a few implausible moments, but I still enjoyed the read.

Thank you to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this fun, Date-Nightesque novel about a couple who end up having an anniversary dinner they will never forget. I won't lie-I identified with Jane quite and I found her relatable and funny. It's a great look at parenting older kids, staying happy in your marriage and finding purpose in your life in a really zany kidnapping-gone-wrong kind of way.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

✪✪✪: the vibes are mixed. fun but drawn out at the same time.

I first read Oakley a couple of years ago, having the opportunity to read The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. This book is in a similar vein, in that its a quirky story with what might seem like, at the outset, an absurd plot. However, this plot, unlike the one in Mostly True, really felt... out there.

The book often felt like it was trying to be a lighter, funnier take on The Menu (setting, rules, type of food, type of clientele, etc) but just cannot reach the heights of that film, for various reasons. The plot is also a bit all over the place. What are the motivations? They seem to change and are always actually something else. The actions of the hostage takers are so absurd at times it took me out of the plot. Jane and Dan themselves are fine characters, but it felt like Oakley realized at some point that she had to make Jane have a ~realization~ about something and then shoehorned pieces of dialogue and action in to make it.

While this book started as fun, the premise is promising, it just gets tedious. And even the premise that the hostage takers are following Jane's book... becomes a strange plot point and doesnt ever really feel like it actually fits.

This is the first book I’ve read by Colleen Oakley, and I have to say I really thoroughly enjoyed it! I had such a hard time putting it down once I got deeper into the heist situation. I think both Jane and Dan were lovable while also being slightly infuriating at times, but I think this was a good thing as it made the whole concept of the story more realistic. I will definitely be recommending this to all of the people in my book clubs & to other friends as well!

This book was fun, start to finish! Jane and Dan are having a fancy anniversary dinner, celebrating nineteen years of marriage. Just as Jane asks for a divorce, the restaurant is taken over and everyone present becomes a hostage. Trouble is, they seem to be following the plot of Jane’s failed book.
What ensues is humorous and heartfelt, as Jane and Dan must work together to survive and protect their family. Full of twists you won’t see coming, this book is one I would recommend to almost any reader.

Ah! I just made it to my 20th wedding anniversary, and it wasn't a simple thing to do sometimes. Marriage can be a full-time job. This title was spot on and I enjoyed reading about Jane and Dan. Their relationship is tested and explored throughout the story. Oakley crafted wonderful and witty banter that made it a brilliant book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

First I would like to thank NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group (<i>swoon</i>) and Colleen Oakley for the ARC of this book! It was truly an honor to be one of the chosen ones!

Honestly, I wanted to read this book based on its cover. It's vibrant and unlike many covers I've seen recently circulating in the book community. Once I got into the actual story, I was glad I got the chance to read it!

This story follows Jane and Dan, a married couple celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at a high-end restaurant. Jane is an author whose debut book never even made a ripple in the book community, except for a few scathing reviews. She's fed up with her mundane life and thinks her best bet is to call it quits while they're ahead - but what she doesn't expect at dinner is for an underground climate activist group to hold the patrons hostage ... while following the trajectory of her book!

I found myself skipping over paragraphs from the last quarter of the book because it was starting to feel a little repetitive but I really loved how it ended and finding exactly who these activists were and why they were really there.

Wow okay this was exceptional… I’m honestly at a loss for words. 5 stars immediately I need the physical copy like ASAPPP

This book had me giggling so much! I genuinely thought it was hilarious. Jane felt like her marriage to Dan was on the last straw & when she goes to ask for a divorce at the restaurant there’s a hostage situation??? Like seriously what. And the fact that they knew exactly how it was going to pan out made this hilarious because they probably had the worst case of déjà vu 😂😂.

I feel like the concept of this book was super unique I haven’t read anything like it!! I don’t want to say too much so I don’t give spoilers but just know you need to read this book.

THANK YOU to NetGalley & Berkley for allowing me to read this & give my honest review!!

Thank you to @netgalley and @BerkleyPubGroup for this ARC. Jane and Dan are celebrating their 19th or 20th (depends on who you ask) wedding anniversary at a high-end restaurant at the top of mountain with one way in and one way out. During their first course, Jane asks for a divorce just as a group of terrorists storm the restaurant demanding the whereabouts of a particular diner. Jane and Dan then both notice one of the black hooded criminals is their daughter. How does this story end? Quick Read! #JaneandDanattheEndoftheWorld #ColleenOakley #BerkleyPub #March2025

I was struck most by how unique this book is. Set entirely in the same restaurant for the whole book, it could be incredibly slow, but it has enough character introspection that it doesn’t drag too much. Jane and Dan go out to dinner to celebrate their anniversary at a very upscale restaurant they can’t afford. Just as Jane has announced that she wants a divorce, a masked group bursts in and holds everyone in the restaurant hostage. As if that wasn’t surprising enough, the group’s actions are eerily similar to the plot of Jane’s failed novel.

This isn’t a thriller by any means, but I truly never knew what was going to happen next. There were several twists, one of which completely caught me off guard, and those kept me interested in the plot.

This book was funny and charming and unexpected, but not terribly exciting. I really enjoyed Jane’s inner monologue, her humor (often inadvertent) and how she caught herself thinking about things utterly inappropriate for the situation.

Things started to get somewhat convoluted toward the end for no good reason (in my opinion) which made it harder to stay invested. This was definitely unlike anything I have read before, which was fun, but I think it was trying to do a little bit too much at times.